An Angoy’s Avenue labourer was yesterday sentenced to 55 and a half years in prison for the murder of a former associate.
Naresh Ramjohn, 40, a labourer, also of Stanley-town, New Amsterdam, was sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh at the Berbice High Court, where he was on trial. On September 10, a mixed jury unanimously found Ramjohn guilty of murdering Anthony Samaroo, 28, of Levi’s Dam, Angoy’s Avenue in 2008.
Following the verdict, Justice Singh ordered a probation report on Ramjohn. The probation report was given moments before the sentencing yesterday.
In the report, given to the court by Senior Probation Officer Claudia Munroe, it was reported that Ramjohn and Samaroo
were associated in illegal activities, such as abusing drugs and thefts. It was also reported that disagreements between the two could have resulted in the murder of Samaroo.
Munroe concluded that Ramjohn was the product of a broken home and was unable to achieve a formal education. Family members stated that he was a hard-working individual. His father acknowledged that his son used marijuana but never molested anyone.
Just before Justice Singh handed down the sentence, he gave Ramjohn the opportunity to speak. Ramjohn maintained that he was innocent and asked that the court for sympathy.
However, Singh expressed disappointment in Ramjohn not being remorseful for his actions. He also told Ramjohn that the jury had already spoken. He added too that from the evidence it was clear that the deceased somewhat contributed to the tragedy but still the deceased did not deserve such a death.
Justice Singh started off the sentence at 60 years but subtracted four and a half years for time Ramjohn spent on remand.
