Black Bush Polder man sentenced to six years for attempted murder

A 39-year-old resident of Black Bush Polder was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday for attempted murder.

Vicky Ramnarine, of Lot 33 Yakusari North, Black Bush Polder, appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Berbice High Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Persatum Dookram, known as ‘Hackey’ or ‘Sato’, also of the same village.

Ramnarine admitted guilt to a lesser charge of felonious wounding.

The probation report presented by Officer Dion Douglas revealed that Ramnarine is currently a patient at the National Psychiatric Hospital, undergoing treatment.

Douglas noted that Ramnarine maintained his innocence regarding the crime and appealed to the court for leniency. Community members, however, described Ramnarine as a troublemaker.

Justice Kissoon highlighted that both the defense and prosecution had reached an agreement concerning the facts that formed the basis for the plea and subsequent sentence.

The judge identified several aggravating factors related to the crime, including the use of a weapon during the attack and the fact that multiple individuals were involved in the assault. Notably, both Ramnarine and the victim live in close proximity, and his brother, who was also involved in the incident, was not present at the sentencing.

Initially, Justice Kissoon began with a longer sentence but acknowledged the guilty plea. Ultimately, Ramnarine was sentenced to six years and six months, with two years and eight months off for the time he has already spent in custody.

Additionally, Ramnarine was placed on a three-year bond to maintain peace upon his release. He is also prohibited from being within 100 meters of the victim in this case.

Justice Kissoon clarified that should Ramnarine commit any offences within the three-year bond period, he would face an additional one-year imprisonment, following the necessary proceedings to determine the violation.

The prosecution was represented by Cicela Corbin, while Ramnarine’s defence lawyer was Chandra Sohan.