‘He is a sexual predator’ - Chuck said serial rapist Davian Bryan deserved life sentence

Justice minister Delroy Chuck has joined the growing list of Jamaicans who are outraged at the sentence handed down to confessed serial rapist Davian Bryan.

The Portland man, who pleaded guilty to 12 counts of rape, grievous sexual assault and forcible abduction, was sentenced to a total of 160.75 years' imprisonment when he appeared in the St Thomas Parish Court last Wednesday. However, he will serve a maximum of 23 years and three months behind bars as the sentences will run concurrently.

Bryan will also be eligible for parole after serving 16 years imprisonment.

Several persons and interest groups have categorised the sentence as light. Critics noted that Bryan was the subject of a major manhunt after he abducted and assaulted three female children in St Thomas on separate occasions.

Chuck, in a media release issued yesterday, noted that the matters against Bryan included five counts of rape. He said that given the circumstances, "a sentence of life imprisonment may be a more appropriate sentence".

"Bryan demonstrated, by his own admission, that he is a sexual predator," the minister said.

He said that the law requires to court to to consult with victims and or their families on a suitable sentence in all cases including where the offenders have pleaded guilty.

"This is an important aspect of the sentencing process to allow victims and or relatives to have their concerns taken into account," Chuck said.