Two await sentence for rape

Two men will have to wait a little longer to be sentenced for the 2005 murder of a Chaguanas man and raping a woman.

Desmond Cyrus and Michael Edwards were both expected to be sentenced by Justice Hayden St Clair-Douglas in the Port of Spain High Court yesterday.

However, attorneys for both raised additional arguments on the issue of the maximum sentence for the rape charges and, after some discussion, they were given permission to submit written arguments by January 15.

The men are expected to be sentenced on January 24.

They are represented by attorneys Keith Scotland and Kirk Hogan, who objected to a suggestion by the prosecution of a maximum sentence of 30 years for the rape and sexual assault.

According to the attorneys, the more egregious offence was that of murder, which, according to the maximum sentence indication given by the judge at a Goodyear hearing, would result in their receiving the maximum sentence of 28 years for felony murder.

Scotland argued that a 30-year sentence was a “death sentence for rape,” while both he and Hogan referred to cases of rape that attracted lesser sentences.

Hogan also urged the judge not to be swayed by emotion when he considers his sentence.

Cyrus and Edwards pleaded guilty on July 18.

St Clair-Douglas also adjourned the sentencing hearing of 32-year-old Daniel “Boom” Robertson of L’Anse Mitan, Carenage, and 30-year-old Dwayne “Fighter” Hamilton who pleaded guilty to killing St James dentist Russell John.

At yesterday’s hearing, Hamilton’s attorney Daniel Khan objected to several of the prosecution’s recommendations on sentencing. In adjourning the sentencing, the judge also again ordered the Commissioner of Prisons to prepare a bio-social report on both men by January 15. The matter has been adjourned to January 24.

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