Murder accused jailed for trafficking marijuana in prison

…fined $30,000

Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty on Friday handed down a three-year jail sentence to a 23-year-old Sophia, Georgetown resident, who is currently on remand for murder, after he pleaded guilty to a narcotics trafficking charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Odel Roberts of Lot 124 C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, admitted that on July 3, 2019, at Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, he had in his possession 102 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
The prosecution’s case presented by Seon Blackman stated that Roberts was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to receive medical attention. According to the prosecutor, while at the health facility, the murder accused was given a box of food by a relative, which he took to the prison.
However, Police conducted a search on Roberts upon his return to the prison and the illegal drug was found concealed in the food. He was cautioned and the present charge was instituted.
Nevertheless, Roberts maintained his innocence as he blamed Police ranks present for not checking the food when he collected it. On Friday, Roberts was jailed for three years and a fine of $30,000 was imposed.
Roberts remains on remand for the 2015 murder of a Sophia businessman. He was committed to stand trial for the murder in May 2018. It is alleged that on May 1, 2015, at Sophia, East Coast Demerara, he murdered Shawn Amys.
Amys, who owned and managed a small grocery shop at his home, was confronted by bandits just before 11:00h on the day in question. According to reports, the now dead man was in his home when he heard the dogs barking and ventured out of the house to investigate.
He was then confronted by two armed men who forced him into the house and shot him while demanding money and valuables. The gunmen made off with $40,000 in cash along with jewellery.
Amys was rushed to the Georgetown Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.