A jury yesterday found Michael Powley guilty of manslaughter in the death of Vishwanauth Narine, called “Buddy, at Plastic City, West Coast Demerara, in 2012.
Although Powley was charged with murder, the 12-member jury found him not guilty on this count but unanimously agreed on the manslaughter verdict after about two hours of deliberation.
Justice James Bovell-Drakes, who presided over the trial, has however deferred sentencing to April 27 to facilitate the presentation of a probation report, which Powley’s attorney, Basil Williams requested.
Justice Bovell-Drakes handed over the case to the jury yesterday afternoon after summing up for the greater part of the day.
The indictment against Powley stated that on June 8, 2012, at Plastic City, he murdered Narine.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The state’s case was that on the day in question, the two were engaged in an argument, when a fight broke out, during which Powley began chasing Narine, who fell. Powley then allegedly began stabbing the fallen man.
Narine was subsequently pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.
The prosecution closed its case against Powley on Tuesday last, after which he was called upon to lead a defence, which he did in unsworn statement from the prisoner’s dock.
Both sides then presented closing arguments in their respective addresses to the jury on Wednesday.
The state was represented by attorneys Narissa Leander and Natasha Backer.
