ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Convicted sex offender Simon “Mr Fix It” Davis will be under lock and key for the next 20 years following his conviction for, according to Justice Keith Thom, one of the worse cases of systematic sexual abuse of a minor.
The judge said the lengthy prison sentence reflected society’s abhorrence for sexual “predators” who prey on young children and it should serve as a deterrent to others wishing to follow Davis’ path.
Three weeks ago, the 48-year-old man was found guilty of eight counts of statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl and one count of buggery of the teenager.
The court sentenced the Dominican man to eight years in jail on each count of statutory rape, to run concurrently. The maximum penalty is 10 years.
However, the 12 years imposed for buggery is to run consecutively to the eight years for rape. The maximum penalty for buggery is life in prison.
At the time he committed the crimes, Davis was fully aware the child was diagnosed as mentally underdeveloped, naïve and easily led with mental abilities of a six year old, the judge said.
Before sentencing, the judge outlined a number of aggravating factors, which helped him to arrive at his decision.
“It was a systematic abuse of a young child and the abuse continued over a period lasting from September (2010) to November (2010). You, yourself, said she had a simple mind and her disabilities were brought to your attention.
“You would have known she was going to a special school because you took her there. But before taking her there you took her off the side of the road…” Justice Thom said.
He lamented how Davis repeatedly assaulted the girl, breached her parents’ trust and induced the child by offering to fix a cellular phone for her.
Justice Thom said Davis’ testimony during the trial and a Social Enquiry Report revealed he is perverse and lacks respect for women.
The probation officer who prepared the report said he found Davis to be manipulative.
“In your own words you said women are to be used, by-passed and you don’t mind sharing them with friends. You are 48 years now and well set in your ways, so rehabilitation would be long before you can change,” the judge said when Davis’ lawyer Sherfield Bowen asked for leniency.
Speaking on his own behalf, the convicted man smiled broadly as he said, “I’m sorry. I want you fuh have mercy fuh me for the situation.”
Before the judge imposed punishment, Crown Counsel Adlai Smith reminded the court of Davis’ salacious expression in court when he testified about the victim’s genitalia.
Smith stressed that women need protection from men like Davis.
He asked the court not to ignore the fact that Davis committed the acts on the child and then encouraged a friend to do the same.
The assaults occurred in the victim’s home, at Davis’ home, his workplace and in his car.
