A father, 47, has been found guilty of 10 counts of incest of his daughter, 12, in the Northern Session of the Supreme Court in Orange Walk. He was given a sentence of 49 years total for all 10 counts, but because the sentences are to be served concurrently, he will only spend 9 years in jail.

The sentence was handed down today, Thursday, by Justice Herbert Lord.

The father was convicted by a jury of nine persons, who found him guilty of the crimes last week Wednesday, June 19.

Police contend that the father frequently had sexual intercourse with his little daughter over a three-year period from May, 26, 2006, to April, 12, 2009. The child apparently became tired of the abuse and told her aunt what was happening, and they made a report to the police.

The father was then arrested, and the child taken to the doctor for an examination. At the conclusion, the doctor certified that the girl had been carnally known. The father was then charged with incest, and remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

The Crown was represented by Crown Counsel Sabita Maharaj. The father was unrepresented in court.