Latest update April 20th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jul 28, 2018 Court Stories, News
In June 2011, Kenny Arthur Grant was sentenced to death by hanging by Justice Franklin Holder after he was convicted for the capital offence murder by a 12-member mixed jury.
The jury’s decision, according to court records, was unanimous. Grant, formerly of Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast was found guilty of murdering Cecil Benn. The killing occurred on September 6, 2006.
The Court of Appeal yesterday substituted the death sentence with a term of imprisonment of 25 years. In effect, Grant will only serve 13 years, after the court deducted the time he had already spent behind bars from the time he was convicted of the crime.
According to reports, Grant had attended a nine-day celebration for a baby when an argument arose. This led to a stabbing and death.
An argument ensued after Grant saw his wife dancing in a vulgar manner with another man.
Grant, who was annoyed, approached the man with whom his wife was dancing and things escalated to a fight. Benn, who was playing music at the celebrations, intervened.
Evidence disclosed that Benn pushed and slapped Grant.
Grant, who earlier was armed with a cutlass which had to be taken away from him, pushed his hand into his pocket and withdrew a knife with which he stabbed away at Benn.
The stabbing took place at Westbury, Essequibo Coast. Benn succumbed to his injuries days later while at the Charity Hospital.
Grant was not pleased with the conviction and sentence of the court and subsequently filed an appeal.
Through Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, Grant asked the Court of Appeal to overturn the conviction and sentence.
Among other things, De Santos argued that the Trial Judge did not adequately direct the jury and that Grant was not afforded a proper defence.
However, the Court of Appeal found that there were no material irregularities, after reviewing the evidence.
Grant further asked the Court of Appeal to pronounce on whether the wounds inflicted on the deceased by him resulted in his death.
The Appellate Court said that it was of the view that the wounds inflicted on Benn by Grant were substantially responsible for his death.
A post mortem examination done on the remains of Benn revealed that he died as a result of septic shock and pneumonia due to stab wounds.
As it relates to the death sentence, De Santos had argued that it was excessive.
The Senior Counsel had contended that his client was merely defending himself after he was attacked by Benn.
And that his actions do not constitute murder, and he should have been charged for the lesser offence manslaughter. The court agreed with this argument and commuted the death sentence to a term of imprisonment.
The ruling was prepared by Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards and two other appellate judges.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
Apr 20, 2024
– Elton Dharry and Dexter Marques to headline tonight’s card Kaieteur Sports – The Everest Cricket Club pavilion crackled with tension yesterday as the Guyana Boxing Board hosted its...Kaieteur News – Once a habit has been drilled into you, it returns almost automatically when you return to the setting... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... 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]