26-year-old Joshua Meredith was today handed a 15-year jail sentence by High Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for the unlawful killing of Gregory Garraway, which occurred on October 2, 2016.
Meredith, who is from East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was initially indicted for murder but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.
He admitted that on October 11, 2016, at Wings and Things Bar at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, he unlawfully killed Garraway, 25, of Charlestown, Georgetown.
Reports are that on the day in question, Garraway, who was wearing two gold chains around his neck, was at Wings and Things Bar on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
It was reported that Garraway had gone into the bar to place an order. As he was crossing the street to pick up the said order, Meredith, who was armed with a gun, snatched his chains and fired a shot at him.
Meredith was subsequently pointed out at an ID parade by Garraway’s brother. At the time of the robbery, Garraway’s brother was standing about five feet away from him.
A probation report presented to the court explained that Meredith was abandoned by his father and was defined as a delinquent while growing up.
In fact, the court heard that at the age of 15, Meredith was slapped with a robbery under arms charge. However, given that he was a juvenile at the time, he was fined and placed on a bond for the offence.
Moreover, residents in his community have labelled him as a “notorious criminal.” Also, prison authorities relayed that Meredith was always in the manner of being disorderly and disrespectful.
To this end, State prosecutor Nafeeza Baig asked the court to consider that Garraway lost his life at a tender age and a weapon was used in the process.
A remorseful Meredith had this to say, “I am very sorry for the pain that I have caused the family of [Garraway]. I know that sorry cannot heal the pain. Please find a place in your heart to forgive me. Thanks and God bless.”
