Latest update March 29th, 2024 12:59 AM
Dec 15, 2016 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News
After several weeks of trial and more than two hours of deliberations, Mark Thompson was found not
guilty of murder by a mixed 12-member jury at the Georgetown High Court, on Tuesday. He was however, found guilty of manslaughter on a majority verdict of 10 -2.
Thompson was initially charged with the murder of Brazilian miner, Jose Rodriguez De Oliviera, which occurred on August 7, 2010 at Aranka Backdam, Cuyuni River. Reports indicated that the two men had been drinking together at their mining camp during which time there was a disagreement.
De Oliviera is said to have attacked Thompson with a cutlass but was overpowered. Thompson relieved De Oliviera of the cutlass and hacked him to death as he lay on the ground. He was subsequently detained and charged for the crime.
The accused faced a trial before Judge James Bovell Drakes and a mixed jury at the High Court in Georgetown. During the trial, State Prosecutor Tamieka Clarke had called a number of witnesses to the stand.
Among them was former Police Sergeant Wilfred Murray. The former policeman was attached to the Bartica Police Station at the time of the incident. Murray recalled travelling to (Melodina) at Aranka, Backdam to investigate a murder. He stated that during the said investigation, he questioned several persons about the incident and they pointed out the accused, Mark Thompson.
Following a lengthy summing up of the trial by Justice Drakes, the jury retired to deliberate. But after more than three hours, they returned to the courtroom for further directions on the issue of law as it pertains to the offence. The Judge offered the clarifications.
The panel then retired again and emerged about a half an hour later with the majority decision of guilty for the offence of manslaughter. They had found the accused not guilty of murder. However based on a request from the attorney representing Thompson, the court deferred sentencing to facilitate a probation report on his behalf.
As such, the matter was adjourned to December 23.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
Mar 29, 2024
By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – After a series of outstanding performances in 2023, Tianna Springer, dubbed the ‘wonder girl’, is eagerly gearing up to compete in this year’s...Kaieteur News – Good Friday in Guyana is not what it used to be. The day has lost much of its solemnity. The one day... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – In the face of escalating global environmental challenges, water scarcity and... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]