Butcher appeals 15-year jail term for cattle farmer’s murder

Asif Hamid, the Corriverton, Berbice butcher who was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for manslaughter over the unlawful killing of an elderly cattle farmer whose remains he burnt aback his house, has filed an appeal against his conviction and sentence which he deems “severe.”
On January 27, 2021, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall presiding at the High Court in Berbice, imposed the custodial sentence after Hamid, 27, who was initially indicted for murder, pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. In August 2015, Hamid unlawfully killed 76-year-old Henry Lalmam of Number 56 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.
Reports in 2015 were that Hamid had been taking animals from the cattle farmer on a credit arrangement just as his father had done. According to reports, Police found evidence that suggests that Lalman had spoken to Hamid’s father about an outstanding bill, and the elder Hamid had expressed alarm since he did not send his son on such an arrangement.

Lalman subsequently made contact with the younger Hamid to enquire about the outstanding money and was invited to his home.
It was there that Hamid killed the cattle farmer. Worried about the cattle farmer’s whereabouts, his family reported him missing.
Close relatives of Hamid’s informed Police about the debt issue. When questioned at the time, the younger Hamid had said he had not seen Lalman. Investigators searching the yard for evidence discovered a recently-dug-up area behind the house.
It was later found to contain the remains of the cattle farmer. The younger Hamid later confessed to killing his father’s friend to avoid having to pay his bill.
Justice Morris-Ramlall had asked for a probation report before sentencing the confessed killer. The report revealed that Hamid had a sound secondary school education having obtained seven subjects at CSEC. After he left school, Hamid took up his father’s trade as a butcher. His relatives related that apart from being a habitual gambler, he was of good character.
State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy reminded the court that the killer’s actions were as a result of his gambling habit and greed. The prosecutor said that the elderly cattle farmer trusted Hamid. In this regard, she asked the Judge to impose a sentence that reflects the serious nature of the offence.
In handing down the sentence, Justice Morris-Ramlall pointed out that Hamid took advantage of the elderly man who he lured to his yard. (G1)