A sentencing hearing was conducted Friday in High Court for Andre Penn, the former legislator convicted March 2 of three counts of buggery, two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl of or under the age of 13, and seven counts of indecent assault.

The offences are alleged to have been committed against a young relative of Mr. Penn’s wife between 2006 and 2008 in Mr. Penn’s home and office.

Mr. Penn’s attorney, Dane Hamilton, QC, presented two character witnesses — attorney Samuel Jackson Husbands and retired educator Jennie Wheatley — who know Mr. Penn socially and professionally. Both attested to Mr. Penn’s previous good character and reputation, and said they were surprised when he was found guilty of the offences.

Director of Public Prosecutions Elizabeth Hinds submitted a psychiatric report that indicated the virtual complainant may need “therapeutic intervention for the rest of her life.”

“It is the Crown’s respectful submission that the circumstances of this case bring it closer to the upper limits, if not in the worst case category,” Ms. Hinds told the court, after outlining the maximum sentences for each offence: 10 years each for buggery and indecent assault, and 14 years for unlawful sexual intercourse.

Justice Indra Hariprashad-Charles said she will hand down her sentence on Thursday.

 

See the March 31, 2011 edition for full coverage.