A man who was last week found guilty of raping an elderly woman was yesterday sentenced to 15 years in prison by Justice Winston Patterson at the Berbice Assizes.

Gordon Lemmon Duke, 37, of Lichfield Village, West Coast Berbice raped the 80-year-old woman on March 9, 2005.

According to a probation report, Duke's parents are separated and reside in the United States of America with his five sisters. He has three children by three different women, but shares no part of his children's lives. When Duke was 24 years old he was employed as a journeyman at the power company, but left the job at the age of 31 because he was dissatisfied with his salary. He lives with his uncle, is unemployed and is maintained solely by his parents.

The report added that a former teacher and headmistress said Duke was intelligent and disciplined while at primary school but changed as he became an adult. Residents in his area believe Duke steals to support a self-confessed drug habit. He would sell personal items sent by his parents to buy drugs.

In 2004, Duke was charged with rape but that matter was dismissed for want of prosecution on the part of the virtual complainant. He was charged with robbery and while on bail for that offence, raped the elderly woman.

The report said Duke has been indulged by his parents who obviously think that catering to his material needs will cure him of his ills. He is in complete denial that he has a problem and that drug rehabilitation is an option that should be examined.

When asked by Justice Patterson if he had anything to say before sentencing, Duke said he was innocent, but did not have counsel and that the jury did not say on what grounds they found him guilty. The judge then explained to him that the jury did not have to give a reason for their verdict. He stated further that from the report Duke could have done better for himself and that the court would have to take into consideration that the offence was committed while he was on bail.

Justice Patterson also said that from the probation report Duke himself can be considered a victim and needs help if and when it is found to be necessary. However, the elderly woman was attacked in her home in the dead of night and would be traumatized for the rest of her life. The judge added that a message must be sent and he hoped Duke would use the time allotted to him to examine and redeem himself.

The judge then handed down the 15-year sentence to an emotionless Duke. The prosecutor was Donelle Harding.

(Keisha McCammon)