Woman cites ‘domestic violence’ as reason for killing man
Murder accused Zalena Whittington has cited her being subjected to domestic violence as the reason for killing her partner Azad Ghani on May 22, 2013.
She appeared on Monday before Justice Navindra Singh in the Demerara Assizes and admitted to killing her partner, appealing for forgiveness for killing the man but pleading not guilty to murder, but guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.
Breaking down in tears several times, the woman told the court she was unwell and was finding it difficult to comprehend the charge she faces.
Zalena Whittington said domestic violence was her reason for killing Azad Ghani
After her extensive pleas, Justice Singh sentenced the woman to eight years’ imprisonment for the offence of manslaughter, telling her that despite her domestic violence explanation, he still had to impose such a sentence, because a man had lost his life. The Prison Service was, however, ordered to deduct the years that Whittington has spent awaiting trial.
State Prosecutor Tamica Clarke led the State’s case, while the accused was represented by Defence Counsel Debra Kumar.
