After pleading guilty on October 2nd, Donald Grovesnor was handed a six-year prison sentence yesterday for the killing of Suraj “Nishal” Jailall.
Grovesnor appeared before Judge Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara, where his apology to the victim’s family and expression of remorse were considered during sentencing.
Grovesnor, 25, of Sideline Dam, Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, was initially charged with murder in connection with a March 27, 2019, altercation in which Jailall, a 29-year-old cane harvester, sustained fatal injuries. According to reports, the two men had been drinking at a local shop when a quarrel escalated. Grovesnor allegedly left to retrieve a cutlass after Jailall picked up a stick, but by the time Grovesnor returned, Jailall had reportedly put down the stick and was seated. Grovesnor then attacked, delivering a blow that partially severed Jailall’s ear and fractured his skull. Jailall succumbed to his injuries the following day.
During the sentencing hearing, Grovesnor’s attorney, Ronald Bostwick, argued that alcohol had influenced both parties and that the victim’s initial aggression led to Grovesnor’s response. Bostwick also cited Grovesnor’s early guilty plea as an indication of remorse.
State Prosecutor Christopher Belfield outlined aggravating factors, including the severity of the injury and the fact that both men were intoxicated. They described how, after an initial exchange, Jailall tried to walk away but was pursued and attacked by Grovesnor, who inflicted a fatal cutlass wound. The prosecution emphasized that excessive force had been used.
Judge Singh noted that the initial sentence would have been 12 years but reduced it by two years due to Grovesnor’s apology, remorse, and a mildly favourable probation report. Grovesnor was sentenced to six years in prison following credit for time spent on remand.
The state was represented by Prosecutors, Muntaz Ali, Madonna Rampersaud alongside Christopher Belfield. (Mia Anthony)
