Four illegal Venezuelan immigrants who were among a group of 14 who escaped from the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Aripo earlier this month have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment with hard labour after admitting to escaping lawful custody.

The sentences were imposed on Friday by Master Lisa Singh-Phillip in the High Court.

Rafi Fawaz Mohammed received the heaviest sentence of 15 months’ imprisonment with hard labour after the court took into consideration that he has an extensive criminal record, including 11 previous convictions, and has seven other matters still pending before the courts.