By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a young boy, whose subsequent suicide attempt was linked to the trauma of the abuse.

Basil McDonald was convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor of the same sex and indecent assault. He was sentenced before Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns on July 3.

The abuse occurred when the victim was between the ages of 7 and 9, while McDonald was seen as a “big brother” figure. The victim reportedly idolised McDonald and referred to him as “King Basil”.

Court testimony revealed that McDonald would babysit the child. During these times, he would instruct the boy to undress, lie naked with him, and watch homosexual pornography together. He also reportedly engaged in oral sex with the child and kissed him on the mouth.

The victim initially did not report the abuse, believing the acts were normal. In March 2023, he disclosed the incidents to a classmate and teacher. Following a suicide attempt on March 31, he was taken to the principal’s office, and his parents were notified. The case was reported to police in April, and McDonald was arrested in June 2023.

Despite maintaining his innocence, McDonald was unanimously found guilty by a jury on February 25.

A probation report noted that McDonald was previously seen as a respected church member and dedicated employee and had been married for a year and a half.

During sentencing, defence attorney Jairam Mangra claimed the conviction was unjust and that McDonald’s freedom was unfairly taken. Prosecutors Shaneka Carey and Betty Wilson argued that McDonald showed no remorse and had gravely violated the trust of the victim’s family.

Justice Archer-Minns acknowledged McDonald’s young age and clean record as mitigating factors. However, she emphasised the child’s vulnerability, the breach of trust, the convict’s lack of remorse, and the psychological toll on the victim.

The judge described McDonald’s actions as perverted and said he demonstrated a deceptive personality disorder. She noted the child now struggles with trust and self-identity and attempted suicide due to the abuse.

McDonald was sentenced to 20 years for unlawful sexual intercourse and five years for indecent assault, to be served concurrently. His 22 days on remand will be credited toward his sentence.

The court recommended that he receive counselling and be given the opportunity to pursue educational programmes while incarcerated.