106 cases for October session at the Berbice Criminal Assizes

One hundred and six cases are set for hearing during the October session at the Berbice Criminal Assizes. The Assizes opened on Tuesday with the traditional parade and march-past of one Inspector, one Sargent, and 22 other Police ranks along Strand and into Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Justice Sandil Kissoon will preside over the assizes, which is expected to run until the first week in February. These cases include 14 murders and 28 for attempt to commit murder.

However, most of the cases set for hearing during the October session of the Berbice Criminal Assizes are related to sexual offences including rape and sexual activity with a child and with a family member; some 60 such cases are listed for hearing.
The State’s cases will be presented by Attorney-at-Law Muntaz Ali.
Following the ceremonial opening, the State opened with its first case; a double accused – Ricardo Mitchell called “Cardo” and “Redman”, who is jointly indicted with Bharat Singh called “Jimmy” for the August 10, 2020 murder of 30-year-old Winston Robertson called “High Rollers” or “Redman” of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice.

Mitchell is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Murseline Bacchus while Singh is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Tuana Hardy.
Police had initially issued a wanted bulletin for Mitchell before he was charged as he was said to have been on the run. The State is expected to call 15 witnesses. The case has been adjourned until next Tuesday, when the first witness is expected to take the stand.
Meanwhile, a report delivered to the High Court shows that 57 persons are at the New Amsterdam Prison awaiting trial in the High Court; 40 for murder and six for attempted murder.
Of those indicted for murder, eight have indicated their intention to plead to the lesser count of manslaughter. (G4)