BASSETERRE, St Kitts and Nevis — Dr Vance Gilbert has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison for rape and indecent assault following his conviction in the High Court of St Kitts and Nevis.

Justice Patrick Thompson handed down the sentence on September 9, ordering Gilbert to serve 12 years and six months for rape and five years for indecent assault.

The sentences will run concurrently, meaning the effective prison term is 12 years and six months at His Majesty’s Prison.

Gilbert was convicted on May 27 following a trial held from May 7 to May 12.

The offences stemmed from incidents that occurred between March 1 and March 31, 2020.

The court also ordered Gilbert to pay EC$9,000 in compensation to the virtual complainant.

The compensation must be paid in two instalments of EC$4,500, with the first due by December 31, 2026, and the second by December 31, 2027.

Failure to make either payment will result in an additional six months in prison, to be served consecutively to his existing sentence.