Fisherman slapped with manslaughter charged after friend’s death

A 28-year-old fisherman was on Wednesday remanded to prison after being charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of another fisherman at Albion Front, Corentyne, on Sunday.
Videsh Singh, of Lot 71 Albion Front, appeared at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy, who presided virtually, where it was alleged that on September 6, he unlawfully killed 34-year-old Franklyn Sauers, called “Frank” or “Franky,” a fisherman of Glasgow Housing Scheme, Corentyne.
Police Prosecutor Corporal Meika Crawford told the court that Singh and Sauers had earlier been involved in an altercation at a bar, following which Singh left and went to his home, where he locked the door.
In outlining the prosecution’s preliminary facts, Crawford said Sauers subsequently went to Singh’s home, broke the door and attacked him with what appeared to be a shiny object.
She told the court that Singh, fearing for his safety, attempted to defend himself and used a knife during the confrontation.
Attorney-at-Law Vinay Punwa, who represented Singh, applied for bail on his behalf.
However, Crawford objected to bail, telling the court that a life had been lost and that the investigation was still incomplete.
The prosecutor also raised concerns that Singh, who works as a fisherman, might not return to court to see the matter through if released on bail.
She said investigators still had to interview persons from the community and argued that if Singh were released on bail, he could tamper with those witnesses. Crawford also told the court that the post-mortem report was also outstanding.
In advancing his application for bail, Punwa told the court that Singh had no previous charges.
The defence attorney also pointed to Singh’s conduct following the incident, telling the court that he had asked his wife to summon the police and had remained at the scene rather than leaving.
Punwa said when ranks arrived, Singh was still there.
During the proceedings, Magistrate Hardy sought further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence. The magistrate, who was presiding virtually, indicated that she wanted to appear in person before determining the issue of bail.
Hardy subsequently deferred consideration of bail and remanded Singh. The case will be called again on September 16.