A Corentyne man who was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter following a trial before Justice Simone Morris–Ramlall at the High Court in Berbice last month was sentenced to 17 years in prison yesterday.
Samuel Stewart also known as ‘Sammy’, 42, a cane harvester, was charged with the murder of Patrick Raynol Wilson, 25, of Lot 5 Limlair Village, Corentyne, who had sustained one stab wound in the region of his chest on June 16, 2019.
This newspaper had previously reported that Wilson, his brother, and a cousin were imbibing at a rumshop in the village, when Stewart walked in and an argument ensued between the men.
Stewart reportedly accused Wilson’s cousin of “talking he name” around the village, which led to a physical altercation between the two. Wilson allegedly then picked up a piece of wood and assaulted Stewart after which Stewart whipped out a knife and stabbed Wilson in his chest.
At this point, the owner of the rumshop intervened and ordered the men to leave his shop immediately. However, Wilson while on his way home collapsed on the road.
Representing the state were attorneys at law, Nafeeza Baig and Simran Gajraj, while Stewart was represented by Attorney at Law, Charlyn Artiga
A probation report which was read before sentencing yesterday noted, that a record from the New Amsterdam Prison labeled the accused as calm and well-mannered with no reports of any conflict.
According to the report, the deceased, a father of a three-year-old daughter, was the breadwinner of the home which he also shared with his mother who informed the probation officer that she visits her son’s grave almost every day.
The woman reported that her granddaughter has to now receive public assistance from the government as she is unable to take care of her.
Furthermore, the report said that the accused maintained his innocence and claims that he “does not know the deceased.”
Meanwhile, Wilson’s sister, Karen Wilson delivered a victim impact statement before the sentencing pointing out that her mother has constant panic attacks and noting that her brother had been supporting the entire family. She said, “We are somehow trying to convince ourselves that he is no longer with us.”
She noted, that while they are satisfied that justice was served nothing can replace Wilson at this point.
Meanwhile, Stewart in addressing the court would only say “there is a life lost and it’s not my fault.”
His attorney Artiga pointed out that Stewart lived a good life prior to the incident and was a provider adding that “both sides would have lost.” She pleaded for Stewart to be given an opportunity to reenter society. “He deserves a second chance.”
However, Prosecutor Baig then pointed out that Wilson was not only the provider for his family but also his daughter who is now left on her own stressing too that a life was lost. She asked that the nature and prevalence of the offence be taken into consideration when arriving at an appropriate sentence.
Justice Morris-Ramlall in issuing her sentence yesterday addressed the mitigating and aggravating factors. She noted, that Wilson was stabbed with a knife.
She then said that an appropriate sentence is 18 years. She pointed out, that she considered that the accused has a previous good record but also that he has not acknowledged responsibility for the offence.
She then discounted one year adding that the offender is to serve 17 years. The time spent in remand is to be deducted from the sentence by the prison office.
She also ordered that the accused be exposed to anger management training.
