A Canefield, East Canje Berbice Goldsmith, who was on trial at the Berbice High Court for the murder of his friend, has been sentenced to 25 years after a jury unanimously found him guilty of manslaughter on Wednesday, November 08, 2017
Deon Sunthgolam, 40, was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow for the murder of 62-year-old Terrence McLean of Lot 6 Sheet Anchor, East Canje Berbice, which was committed between December 01 and December 03, 2014.
Sunthgolam was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Bernard DaSilva, while Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy led the State’s case. Before handing down the sentence, the Judge explained that two years and 11 months would be deducted since the accused already spent that amount of time on remand.
The Prison Authority was also ordered to ensure that Sunthgolam participates in whatever training available in order to learn to read and write. According to the Judge, this will ensure a smooth integration back into society and that he would be able to make better decisions in the future.
On December 4, 2014, the partially decomposed body of McLean, who lived alone, was found in his house with several stab wounds. The accused was arrested after he was last seen visiting McLean on the day in question.
Persons in the area had revealed that Sunthgolam had visited McLean twice during the day and disappeared from his home after the incident. A knife which was suspected to be the murder weapon, tissues, and other materials were found at the house.