Mukey of sound mind, to be charged with murder

By this evening or tomorrow, police are expected to amend the charge against Mukey Pierre of kidnapping with intent to kill to one of murder.

Today Pierre reappeared before Siparia magistrate Margaret Alert, who at the previous hearings, denied him bail for allegedly kidnapping, beating and throwing one of his neighbours down a 16-foot deep well. Alert, who presides in the first court, had sent the accused labourer to the St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital for an evaluation.

Prosecutor Sgt Starr Jacob told the court today that based on the findings of the report, Pierre is of sound mind.

The charges against him are that between March 17 and 18, Pierre unlawfully carried away Romeo Mitchell from Victor Street, Syne Village in Penal and kidnapped Mitchell with intent to murder him at Mora Dam Road in Siparia.

Mitchell died on March 26 at the San Fernando General Hospital, the day after Pierre made his first appearance in court charged with the two offences.

Today, the prosecutor told the magistrate that Mitchell had died and amendments were to be made.

Last week Monday, police from Siparia CID, among them Sgt Jaggernath and PCs Jimdar and Phillips, visited the scene, interviewed people and later arrested Pierre.PC Jimdar of Siparia CID laid the charges, which were indictable.

The magistrate denied bail and remanded Pierre into custody.Pierre is to reappear in court on May 13.