47 years jail for robbery convict who stabbed prisoner to death

Robbery convict Akeem Edwards was on Monday sentenced to 47 years imprisonment for fatally stabbing fellow inmate, Teon Smith at the Mazaruni Prison in 2014.

Edwards, 32, was sentenced by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court in Essequibo. He will be eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 30 years.

Last December, a jury found Edwards guilty of murdering Smith on September 14, 2014.

During the sentencing hearing on Monday, a probation report was presented in Edwards’ favour. The court heard that Edwards was imprisoned for 10 years from the age of 18 for robbery. He committed the murder four years shy of his release from prison.

Additionally, the court heard that Edwards was disrespectful to his peers and prison staff while behind bars.

However, Edwards pleaded with the court for a second chance so that he can return to society and see his family.

Before imposing her sentence, the judge considered that Edwards showed no regard for the law or authority nor remorse for his actions.

Among other things, the judge considered that the crime was premeditated, and based on Edwards’ previous conviction, there is a likelihood of him committing offences again.

The judge ordered prison authorities to deduct time spent on remand from the 47-year prison sentence.

The State was represented by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken while Edwards was represented by attorney-at-law Lachmi Dindayal.

According to reports, during the period in question, Edwards was serving a 10-year sentence at Mazaruni Prison for several counts of armed robbery. Smith was also serving a five-year prison sentence for armed robbery as well.

It is alleged that on the day in question, the men had a misunderstanding over a missing cell phone during which Edwards stabbed him in the abdomen.