Leroy Williams has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for the October 21, 2014 unlawful killing of 17-year-old miner Azaad Potter, who was beaten to death at Konawaruk Backdam, Potaro, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
The sentence was imposed by Justice Navindra Singh while presiding at the High Court in Essequibo.
Though initially indicted for the capital offence of murder by State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken, Williams opted to plead guilty to the lesser counts of manslaughter at his arraignment. Justice Singh ordered that Williams becomes eligible for parole after serving three years behind bars.
The prison authorities were ordered to give him credit for the time he spent in pre-trial custody. Delroy Williams, the brother of Leroy Williams was also charged with Potter’s murder.
Dead: Azaad Potter
However, Delroy was among the 17 inmates who perished when a fire gutted the Camp Street prison in March 2016. At the time of his demise, he was awaiting trial for the offence. Two other men – Quincy King and Deonarine Khan were also charged with the teenager’s murder.
Like Leroy, they too pleaded guilty to the lesser count some time back.
They were sentenced to 17 years and 20 years’ imprisonment, respectively. It was reported that the two brothers as well as King and Khan were known to the teenager. On the day in question, they attacked Potter and relieved him of a cell phone and other valuables. According to reports, the men dealt Potter several blows about his body. Police had said the men had accused Potter of stealing articles from their mining camp. Potter, of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
According to reports, the men dealt Potter several blows about his body. Police had said the men had accused Potter of stealing articles from their mining camp. Potter, of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
