Joshua Payne was yesterday afternoon sentenced to 12 years in prison for the unlawful killing of Kelvin Canes, whom he knifed to death at the Stabroek Market on December 19, 2012.
Payne, was initially indicted for murder but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter weeks ago, which was accepted by both the court and state.
His sentence was, however, deferred until yesterday, to facilitate the presentation of a probation report, which was requested by his attorney, Keoma Griffith.
Before passing sentence, Justice Brassington Reynolds, who presided over the case, used the life expectancy of 63 years, 7 months to guide his sentencing. It is upon this base that the judge commenced his sentence. Thereafter, he deducted 44 years, representing Payne’s age. From the remaining 20 years, five years were deducted for the time he has been incarcerated awaiting trial.