A man convicted of rape was sentenced to eight years imprisonment when he appeared in the Turks and Caicos Islands Supreme Court on October 18.
The man Steeve Santana, 33, reportedly committed the act on March 4, 2019. Santana's rape trial commenced on Monday, July 12th, 2021, and ended on July 29th, 2021, where he was found guilty of rape. As a result, he was remanded until sentencing.
Commenting on the sentence, Superintendent of Police Lisa Mitcheson, Head of Crime and Public Protection, said Santana’s sentencing sends a strong message to all Turks and Caicos Islands residents that those who prey on the vulnerable, adults or children, will be held accountable for their actions.
“We appreciate the sentencing from the judge and the work by the team from the Office of Public Prosecution", said Mitcheson.
Mitcheson reiterated that Sexual assaults could have long-lasting effects on victims, noting that it takes great courage to speak out against it. She stated that sexual assault victims should use the Santana trial as a yardstick to measure the commitment of the police’s intolerance towards such actions and the court’s commitment to level severe punishment against perpetrators.
“Victims should feel reassured by this case that they have a voice; they will be listened to and treated with dignity and respect,” she asserted, while praising the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit.
“The specialist team at the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit did an outstanding job supporting the victim and conducting a thorough and timely investigation into this case.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the officers involved in achieving justice on behalf of the victim," added Superintendent Mitcheson.