Brutal 2016 shooting: ‘He’s a danger to society’ – judge tells contractor

…sentenced to life without parole

After nearly a decade of legal proceedings, justice has been delivered in the case of 54-year-old Colwyn Alex Croal, a contractor and father of seven who was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for unlawfully discharging a firearm with the intent to maim, disfigure, or cause grievous bodily harm to Sherwin Hughes.

The verdict was handed down by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court, following Croal’s conviction on February 21, 2025.
While he was acquitted of the initial attempted murder charge, the jury found him guilty of the lesser offence. The case stemmed from a violent incident on April 2, 2016, at the Linden Market in Region 10 (Upper Demerara -Upper Berbice), when an altercation escalated into a near-fatal attack.
Croal’s rage started when he threw a glass bottle at his ex-wife, Simone Belle Croal. The assault left her injured, prompting her cousin, Sherwin Hughes, 50, to rush her to the Linden Hospital Complex for medical attention.
Later that night, as Hughes attempted to take Simone home, Croal ambushed them, opening fire on their vehicle. Hughes was shot in both his arms and back, and to this day, the bullets remain lodged in his body. Simone, already wounded from the earlier attack, was also hit.
Emergency responders transported both victims to the hospital for treatment.
Although police had obtained statements from two of Croal’s children detailing what had transpired that night, they were never called to testify. Additionally, Simone refused to provide evidence, leading the prosecution to withdraw the attempted murder charge related to her shooting.

Following the attack, Croal went into hiding for nearly two months before law enforcement officers captured him during a raid at a suspected drug hideout in Lethem.
Croal was no stranger to the law. He was also charged with attempted murder in relation to the shooting of Nigel Somersaul, known as “Boogieman,” on September 23, 2022.
His trial for that incident was set to begin in November 2024, but just days before proceedings could commence, Somersaul was murdered. His body was discovered on November 4, 2024, ultimately preventing the case from moving forward.
Defence Attorney Donavon Rangiah pleaded for a lighter sentence, highlighting Croal’s age and his continued assertions of innocence. He stressed that his client had no prior criminal record and was of “good character,” with “strong community ties.” Rangiah urged the court to show “mercy” and “leniency.”
He portrayed Croal as a dedicated father, brother, and fiancé, emphasising that he was a successful contractor who had secured multiple Government contracts for road construction projects.
Arguing that the prosecution’s case was built on questionable witness testimony, Rangiah pointed out that a key eyewitness’ statement was never subjected to cross-examination. He further noted that no firearm was ever recovered in connection with the shooting.

Severe threat to society
Before delivering his ruling, Justice Singh made it clear that Croal posed a severe threat to society.

“He [Croal] is a danger to society. He is incapable of being rehabilitated. He cannot be allowed to come back on this road,” the judge declared, emphasising the convict’s utter lack of remorse.
Referencing Recommendation 30 of the Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform, Justice Singh underscored that the sentencing in this case had to serve as a deterrent.
“I’ve listened to the evidence at the trial, and today [Thursday], I listened to Mr Croal. He cannot be rehabilitated. He has a disposition that cannot be fixed, and he is already 54 years old—so no fixing that,” the judge stated.
He described the shooting as “senseless, unprovoked, and cruel,” emphasising that it could have resulted in three fatalities, including that of Croal’s former wife—the mother of six of his children.
Justice Singh also took issue with Croal’s repeated attempts to mislead the court, noting that two defence witnesses had testified in his favour, presenting an alibi that the judge found to be completely fabricated.
Despite the jury’s guilty verdict, Croal remained defiant. The judge remarked, “He [Croal] stands there and continues to tell me that he was in the bush [interior].”
Justice Singh also issued a stern warning regarding perjury. “In the past, I have had people charged with perjury for lying and presenting false alibis. Perjury in Guyana carries a seven-year sentence on conviction.”
He continued, “I have always been adamant that people should not feel they can come, try a thing, lie in this court, and if they don’t get through, that’s it.”

Perjury charge
Given the circumstances, Justice Singh announced his intention to initiate legal proceedings against Croal’s defence witnesses for potential perjury charges.
During the sentencing hearing, state prosecutor Christopher Belfield urged the court to impose a harsh penalty, stressing the severity of Croal’s actions and his history of violent behaviour.
“His actions are indicative of his violent nature and cooperate with his wife’s allegations and account of his abusive nature during his marriage as recorded in his probation report,” Belfield argued.

He pointed out that Croal’s reckless actions could have led to multiple fatalities. “Mr Hughes was not the only victim. The convict’s wife was also shot, and it is a miracle that neither of them died, nor that Mr Hughes’ wife was injured. This attack on the lives of these three persons was unprovoked and unjustifiable.”
Belfield stressed that firearm-related crimes remain a significant concern in Guyana and that Croal’s sentencing should serve as a strong warning. He referenced case law to support his position, highlighting the necessity of deterring similar crimes.
Detailing the extent of Hughes’ injuries, the prosecutor stated, “He suffered a gunshot wound to his arm in the humeral area and to the lower back in the lumbar region, which forms part of the spine. The placement of these bullets was described to him as a miracle by the doctors since they missed his vital organs. These bullets remain lodged in him, and he requires surgery outside of Guyana to have them removed, which he cannot finance.”
Belfield also criticised Croal for introducing an alibi only at trial, contradicting his earlier statements. “He was blatant in lying to the court about his presence in Linden at the time of the shooting, and instead positioned himself in Marudi. Secondly, he conspired with two actors to serve as his witnesses, both of whom gave conflicting evidence—contradicting each other and the official police record,” he said.

Victim
Additionally, the prosecutor condemned Croal’s attempt to portray himself as a victim of police persecution, suggesting that he was being targeted due to his activism in Linden.
“This does not only indicate Mr Croal’s intention to not accept responsibility for the crime he committed but it is also a blatant disregard of due process in the law,” he stated, warning that presenting false evidence is a growing issue in criminal trials.
“The State does not tolerate the subversion of the principles of transparency and accountability by maliciously presenting false evidence. This is an assault on the rule of law in Guyana, it jeopardises the integrity of the entire judicial process, it undermines justice, and it is a blatant disrespect to the entire judiciary. The State frowns upon this rising practice and wishes to remind both defendants and practitioners that there are severe consequences for this behaviour. This must cease,” Belfield declared.
An emotional Sherwin Hughes addressed the court, expressing relief over the verdict.
“Thank God! I wait nine years to get justice. I feel pleased about the justice. I feel happy because it wasn’t something easy, I was going through,” he shared.
Defence Attorney Donavon Rangiah pleaded for a lighter sentence, highlighting Croal’s age and maintaining his client’s claims of innocence. He argued that Croal had no previous convictions and was a man of “good character” with strong ties to his community.
Rangiah described Croal as a responsible father, brother, and fiancé, who was gainfully employed as a contractor with Government contracts.
He also questioned the reliability of the witness testimony, pointing out that no firearm was ever recovered.
When Justice Singh asked whether Croal still denied committing the crime, Rangiah responded, “Yes.” The judge replied, “Well, don’t ask for mercy and leniency.”

“I am innocent”
In his final remarks, Croal maintained his innocence.
“I am innocent. I know nothing about this. There was never any witness in the Magistrate’s court who said I pelt a bottle at my wife. I was at Marudi Mountain operating my dredge,” he stated.
Placing his fate in higher hands, Croal added, “I leave everything in the hands of God. Everything will come to light. Judgement will be passed by the Almighty God to all the orchestraters who planted that evidence against me to see me suffer in jail.”