7 years jail for farmer who killed man for eating his wild meat & cassava bread

High Court Judge Brassington Reynolds on Monday sentenced a 43-year-old farmer to seven years imprisonment for the offence of manslaughter following his early guilty plea.

Charles Leonard known as ‘Poon’ of Port Kaituma had confessed on June 29 to bludgeoning Romel Gouveia to death with a piece of wood for eating his wild meat and cassava bread.

The incident occurred between October 5 and 6, 2017 at Leonard’s house in Port Kaituma.

During the sentencing hearing which was held via Zoom on Monday, a probation report was read and indicated that Leonard expressed remorse for his actions but noted that he was provoked by the victim.

The Probation Officer noted that Leonard and Gouveia were victims of alcohol abuse that led to tragic consequences.

The News Room understands that the victim lived with Leonard and his wife at Port Kaituma.

It is alleged that Leonard was intoxicated and saw Gouveia in the kitchen eating his wild meat with cassava bread.  He became angry, picked up a piece of wood and lashed Gouveia to the head.

Gouveia was discovered lying on the kitchen floor in a motionless state by Leonard’s wife. The matter was reported to the Police and Leonard was arrested.

The State was represented by prosecutors Teriq Mohammed and Tyra Bakker while Leonard was represented by Attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon.