2021 RAPIST FINALLY CHARGED
Shannavan Brown, a resident of Old Pen district in Hanover, was sentenced to multiple terms of imprisonment following his conviction for criminal offences, including Rape and Illegal Possession of a Firearm. The charges stemmed from a harrowing incident that occurred in September 2021.
Sometime in September of 2021, Brown unlawfully entered the home of a teenage complainant. During this violent encounter, he held the victim at gunpoint and committed acts of sexual violence in the presence of her family. This traumatic event prompted immediate action from the witnesses, who reported the crime to the police.
The police responded swiftly to the report and conducted an investigation that led them to the scene where they recovered crucial evidence related to the crime. Further investigation implicated Brown, and he was arrested and charged in December 2022. He was brought before the Western Regional Gun Court to answer to the charges.
The matter was set for trial on several occasions but never started because the accused and other persons were making contact with the witnesses, threatening them and trying to compel them to drop the case.
This was brought to the attention of the investigator who caused them to be placed on the Witness Protection Programme (WPP).
The matter was then tried in February 2025 after the witnesses were secure, and the accused was found guilty.
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Brown was sentenced to:
- 15 years imprisonment at hard labour for Illegal Possession of Firearm
- 15 years imprisonment at hard labour for Rape (first count)
- 15 years imprisonment at hard labour for Rape ( second count)
- 15 years imprisonment at hard labour for Making, Use of Firearm to commit a schedule offence.
The sentences will run concurrently. This case serves as a reminder to criminal elements that the JCF will continue to combat violence against women and children in our communities. The police are encouraging anyone who has experienced or witnessed similar incidents to come forward.
