Minibus conductor gets 30 years for killing fruit vendor

Timothy McKenzie, a 25-year-old minibus conductor, was on Thursday sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for the 2018 fatal stabbing of fruit vendor Richard Noel.

Mckenzie of Public Road, Kitty was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court.

Last month, McKenzie was on trial for the capital offence of murder and had denied murdering Noel on June 4, 2018, at Stabroek Market, Georgetown.

However, the jury found McKenzie not guilty on the murder charge but guilty of the lesser offence of manslaughter.

He was represented by attorneys Edrianna Stephen and Ronald Daniels while the State was represented by prosecutor Muntaz Ali.

During the sentencing hearing on Thursday, McKenzie’s probation report was read in court by a social worker.

The social worker told the court that while carrying out her investigation for the report,  she learn that McKenzie was previously arrested for simple larceny and assault.

Justice Kissoon, while delivering his sentencing remarks, placed weight on the fact that Noel lost his life as a result of McKenzie’s senseless actions.

He added that McKenzie has failed to take responsibility for his actions which has caused hardship beyond measure to his victim’s family.

The Judge pointed out that there was CCTV footage that was tendered in court showing the alteration.

However, he added that despite the voluminous evidence before the court, McKenzie still denied the gruesome act.

He also took into consideration that the convict showed no remorse for his actions or promise to reform himself.

Justice Kissoon sentenced McKenzie to 30-year imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years.

The Judge also ordered that McKenzie undergo anger management counseling while behind bars.

According to reports, both parties were known to each other. On the day in question, Noel was in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market, where he plied his trade when he and McKenzie had a misunderstanding.

McKenzie allegedly armed himself with a knife and stabbed Noel in the left side of his chest.

Noel collapsed and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state where he later succumbed to his injuries.