12 years in jail for man who killed former Top Cop’s brother

A 20-year-old man, who killed former Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud’s brother Hemant Persaud in 2017, was on Wednesday sentenced to 12 years behind bars.

Justice Sandil Kissoon handed down the sentence in the Demerara High Court. Owing to the fact that the man was charged as a juvenile, his particulars will be withheld for legal purposes.

Initially indicted for murder, the man pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He admitted that on February 19, 2017, during the course or furtherance of a robbery at Stabroek Market, he unlawfully killed Persaud.

After sentencing the man, Justice Kissoon asked for the time he spent on pre-trial to be deducted. It was also ordered that he be placed on probation and supervision for three years after his release from prison.

The Judge also ordered that he enroll at the Government Technical Institute (GTI) or the Guyana Industrial Training Centre to complete a course in electrical installation.

Additionally, the High Court Judge ordered that a report on the man’s attendance and progress be submitted to him every three months.

If he fails to comply with any of the Court’s orders, he will be arrested and remanded to prison for an additional 24 months.

Persaud, called “Bim,” of Affiance Village, Essequibo Coast, was stabbed to death on February 19, 2017.

Following the stabbing, the man made good his escape, while Persaud was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The 20-year-old man was charged in 2017. Following a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) in February 2018, he was committed to stand trial at the Demerara High Court after a Magistrate ruled that a prima facie case was made against him.