Khemlall Bishnauth called ‘Bison’, who killed his brother, Sarananand Bishnauth during a brawl over property, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment after deductions were made for time served and his plea of guilt.
Justice Zamilla Ally–Seepaul imposed the custodial penalty at the High Court in Berbice yesterday after going over the evidence which was first presented during a sentencing hearing last month.
In a plea of mitigation, State appointed Defence Attorney Surujah Samsook noted that her client had no pending charge nor criminal record, and had accepted the fact that he had committed the offence. Addressing the Court, the convict, who pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter said, “I am sorry that my brother died.’
In relating the facts, State Prosecutor Cecelia Corbin highlighted the prevalence of killings within the society while noting the offence was committed on a sibling due to an argument over property and land. The convict inflicted the fatal wound while armed with a knife. The autopsy report revealed that the victim died from a stab wound to the chest. A sister remains traumatized over the incident, and described the loss as great, due to the fact, that one brother is dead, another is imprisoned, and their father succumbed following the incident.
Moments before the murder, the brothers were consuming alcohol, imbibing at separate locations within their home village, Shieldstown, along West Bank Berbice, when Khemlall went to his brother and they began to argue over a plot of land belonging to their father. The accused, armed with a knife, pushed his brother out of the yard. Thereafter the offence was committed
Based on a community report, it was stated that the brothers would abuse each other whenever they were under the influence of alcohol. However, the convict was described as hardworking. Prison officials said Khemlall had successfully engaged in Domestic Violence training, and had a good relationship with fellow prisoners and staffers.
Prior to the offence, Khemlall Bishnauth, aged 49 years, worked as a labourer after leaving school prematurely. He had lived at 173 Shieldstown Village with his brother and father.