Mark Thompson was last evening found guilty of manslaughter in the 2010 killing of Brazilian miner Jose Rodriguez De Oliveira.
The convict’s sentencing has, however, been deferred to December 23, pending the presentation of a probation report.
A jury found Thompson not guilty of murder, but guilty of the lesser offence by a majority of 10 to 2.
The jury returned with its verdict after about three hours of deliberations.
Before arriving at the verdict, the 12-member mixed jury sought further directions from the trial judge, Justice James Bovell-Drakes.
When asked by the judge what directions were needed, the foreman seemed visibly unsure of the difficulties confronting the jury. He then consulted with his fellow jurors, some of whom could be seen giggling amongst themselves, much to the annoyance of persons seated in the public gallery, and some court staffers.
The jurors finally retired to the jury-room, and once more emerged with the verdict, at some minutes to six last evening.
The charge against Thompson had stated that on August 7, 2010 at Aranka Backdam, Cuyuni River, Essequibo Coast, he murdered De Oliveira.
Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh had testified that De Oliveira’s death was caused by haemorrhage and shock due to multiple incised wounds, compounded by blunt perennial trauma. The state’s case was presented by Prosecutor Tamieka Clarke, while Thompson was represented by attorney Peter Hugh.
The matter, was heard at the High Court in Georgetown.
