– 134 cases to be heard in Demerara Criminal Assizes
forJanuary 2025
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Friday stated that some 332 cases have been disposed of in 2024. Of this total, 218 received attention in the High Courts of Demerara (134), Berbice (43) and Essequibo (41); while 114 were nolle prosequi by the DPP.
In categorising these cases, the DPP reported that 72 were for the offence of murder; 18 were for manslaughter; 78 were for sexual offences; 46 were for attempting to commit murder; three were for abduction, and one was for accessory after the fact of murder.
There was a total of 39 convictions; 81 formal not- guilty verdicts; 59 not-guilty verdicts by jury; 64 guilty pleas; six hung juries; one quashed indictment, and two aborted trials. A total of 149 accused persons made their appearances in the three High Courts.
In addition, for 2024, the DPP’s Office received 228 committal documents, of which 137 were for Demerara, 42 for Berbice and 49 for Essequibo.
“Of these 228 depositions, 137 have been indicted; charges for eight were discontinued, because there was not sufficient evidence for the DPP to prefer an indictment; 79 are receiving attention; 3 were remitted to the Magistrates’ Courts for additional evidence to be taken for matters which we had previously received; and one was a discharged matter,” a release from the DPP stated.
Further, the DPP’s Office preferred legal advice in 3,905 files received from the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Demerara Criminal Assizes
The Demerara Criminal Assizes for January 2025 would be opened on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 with 134 cases listed to be heard by Justice Navindra Singh, Madam Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Madam Justice Zamila Ally-Seepaul and Madam Justice Damone Younge.
Additionally, Justice Peter Hugh will continue the Essequibo Assizes of October 2024 in January 2025 until February 2025, when the February Criminal Assizes will commence on February 18.
Madam Justice Zamila Ally-Seepaul will also continue the October Assizes in January 2025.
Court of Appeal
The Office of the DDP alsostated that it appeared in 44 appeals in the Court of Appeal for 2024. These matters were represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, and Assistant DPPs (ADPP) Dionne McCammon, Diana O’Brien, Teshana Lake, Mercedes Glasford, Natasha Backer, Lisa Cave, Tiffini Lyken and Abigail Gibbs.
Of these 44 appeals, 11 were for the offence of murder; 12 were for sexual offences, six were for manslaughter; three were for causing death by dangerous driving; there were 2 each for the offences of trafficking in persons (TIP); possession of narcotics for trafficking; attempted murder, and simple larceny; and there was one each for the offences of assault causing actual bodily harm; robbery under arms; receiving stolen property, and possession of firearm without licence, a release from the DPP Chambers related.
Of the 44 appeals, 14 applications were made for bail pending appeals against conviction and sentence; of which seven were withdrawn, four were granted and three were denied.
However, three applications were granted for an extension of time to file and serve notices of appeal.
In addition, 17 appellants sought leave to appeal against their convictions and sentences, of which 16 were granted while one is pending.
Five other appellants were allowed their applications to appeal against conviction and sentences. Two of these were allowed in part; in one case, the COA refused his appeal against the conviction and upheld the two life sentences imposed, but reduced his eligibility for parole from 35 years to 20 years. In the other appeal, with two appellants, the Court upheld their conviction but reduced the sentences from 55 years to 32 years, and from 62 years to 37 years’ imprisonment. They become eligible for parole after each would have served 15 years.
Another five appellants were refused their applications against conviction and sentences.
Also in 2024, 10 matters were heard in the Demerara Full Court – five of which were for the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, and there was one each for the offences of conspiracy to defraud, unlawful wounding, fraud, felonious wounding, and possession of firearm without licence.
The DPP Chambers stated that two of these applications were allowed in part, where the convictions were upheld but their sentences were varied.
“Another 3 applications for bail were granted, while 3 others were denied. Two applications were withdrawn.
The Berbice Full Court heard 2 applications for bail pending an appeal against conviction and sentence: for a cybercrime matter, and for possession of narcotics, the DPP Chambers released.
