15 years jail for man who wounded uncle

…attack stemmed from dispute over relationship involving accused’s mother

A man, who wounded his uncle during a confrontation stemming from a dispute over a relationship involving his mother was on Wednesday sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment at the Berbice High Court.

Shankar Sookhram, was found guilty of the offence of wounding following a trial before Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty at the Berbice High Court. The prosecution was led by Marisa Edwards, while the accused was represented by Attorney-at-Law Sasha Roberts.
The court heard that the attack was carried out against his uncle in the Black Bush Polder, with the prosecution outlining that tensions had developed after the accused objected to a relationship between the older man and his mother, which ultimately led to the violent confrontation.
In determining the sentence, Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty outlined the established principles of sentencing, including retribution, deterrence, prevention, and rehabilitation, noting that the court must impose a penalty that reflects the seriousness of the offence while also considering the circumstances of the offender.
The court also took into account the injuries sustained by the victim, noting that he continues to experience pain and has been affected psychologically as a result of the attack.
The court further heard that threats were made against the victim, a factor which was treated as aggravating, as the judge emphasised the need for the sentence to serve as a deterrent to both the offender and others.
The matter proceeded to trial before the High Court, during which five witnesses were called and evidence presented, with the judge ultimately finding the case to be a serious and complex one before imposing the 15-year sentence.