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JAM | Jun 5, 2023

Justice Minister ‘vexed with light prison sentence’ for rape convict Davian Bryan

/ Our Today

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Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck

Durrant Pate/ Contributor

It is uncharacteristic for any minister in the justice portfolio to be critical of the local judiciary but Delroy Chuck has done just that, in speaking out against what he regards as the light prison sentence imposed on rape convict, Davian Bryan.

In a statement released today (June 5) Minister Chuck says he has taken note of the recent sentence handed down in the criminal matter involving confessed serial rapist Davian Bryan. Members of the public will recall that the matter involving Bryan drew widespread national attention, as he was the subject of a major manhunt. 

Bryan was captured on May 23, 2022, and charged with a number of serious offences.  He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 23 years when he appeared in the St Thomas Parish Court last Wednesday.

Davian Bryan. (Photo: Facebook @JamaicaConstabularyForce)

Guilty plea to 12 rape and related charges

He had earlier pleaded guilty to 12 counts of rape, grievous sexual assault, and forcible abduction.  To note, the matters against Bryan included five counts of rape. The sentences attached to each charge will run concurrently.

The minister’s media release commented that “a sentence of life imprisonment may be a more appropriate sentence. Bryan demonstrated, by his own admission, that he is a sexual predator.”

Justice Minister Chuck reiterated the need, in all cases including where the offenders have pleaded guilty, to consult with victims and or their families on a suitable sentence.

The statement concluded by noting that, “the public must note that the Criminal Justice (Administration) Act and Plea Negotiation and Agreements Act provide and allow for this kind of consultation. This is an important aspect of the sentencing process to allow victims and or relatives to have their concerns taken into account.”

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