Court acquits woman of manslaughter

Dacia Bourne has been freed of a manslaughter charge stemming from the death of her reputed husband, Clifford Singh, after Justice Jo Ann Barlow instructed a jury to return a formal not-guilty verdict. Her Attorney, Kiswana Jefford of Hughes, Fields and Stoby, said the acquittal closed a legal battle that stretched almost 12 years. Bourne was first charged with murder and remanded, but the charge was later reduced to manslaughter and she was granted bail.
Jefford explained that Bourne’s relationship with Singh was marred by abuse and violence. On the night of the incident, Bourne had gone to a shop to purchase something for their baby. While she was out, Singh reportedly left the newborn on the steps of Bourne’s grandmother’s home in Plaisance. When she returned with the child, Singh allegedly pulled her from her bed and assaulted her.

A fight followed, during which Singh received injuries that proved fatal. Jefford noted that Bourne gave police a caution statement at the time, outlining her actions in self-defence. The defence relied on this statement, which the prosecution also tendered in court.
At the end of the State’s case, Jefford argued that the evidence presented did not establish that Bourne acted unlawfully, since her statement confirmed she was defending herself. Justice Barlow agreed and directed the jury to acquit.
Jefford added that while battered women’s syndrome is not recognised in Guyana or the wider Caribbean as a distinct defence, Bourne’s case shows that existing provisions such as self-defence remain vital for victims of prolonged abuse.