For the first quarter of 2023, the Demerara Criminal Assizes has heard a total of 307 cases. This is according to a statement from the Chambers of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
It noted that the assizes began on January 10 of this year. In addition, a total of 49 cases were disposed by the State, along with 37 accused who were presented in the High Court.
The DPP’s Chambers said that out of the 307 cases that were presented to the court, 19 were in relation to sexual offenses. In addition, 13 out of the 19 sexual offense cases which were heard by Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, the complaints refused to proceed with the cases, resulting in the judge directing the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty.
Out of the total cases heard, 15 related to murder. There was also one attempted murder case and two others were for the offense of murder committed furtherance to a robbery.
There were also a number of convictions during the first Demerara Assizes of 2023. The DPP’s Chambers also outlined that there were 10 guilty pleas, two convictions, 17 formal verdicts of not guilty, eight verdicts of not guilty, and two hung jury.
Furthermore, a total of five murders and one attempted murder case were brought before Justice Morris-Ramlall. The DPP’s Chambers outlined that in two of the murder trials, three accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. One of the accused who was a juvenile, was sentenced to a maximum of five years imprisonment.
“In the other case, there were two accused who were jointly indicted. The Number 1 accused was sentenced to 22 and a half years imprisonment while his co-accused was sentenced to 18 and a half years imprisonment,” DPP’s Office said.
The statement continued, “In one other in which two accused were indicted together, the trial judge upheld a no case submission for the Number 1 and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty, while the Number 2 accused was acquitted by a jury verdict of not guilty. The State has served Notice of Intention to Appeal.”
