Tag: Michelle Ali

Princes Town couple get 29 yrs for ex-fireman's murder

A PRINCES TOWN couple who killed the woman’s previous abusive boyfriend have been sentenced to a total of 29 years for their roles in the businessman’s murder.

Dwayne Baldeo and Renee Mohammed were sentenced by Justice Mauricia Joseph-Patrick in the San Fernando High Court for the October 28, 2020, murder of Christopher Hosein.

Hosein, 45, a businessman, who resigned from the Fire Service about ten years ago, lived at St James Street in Princes Town. There, he ran his business, Expert Fire and Safety Ltd. A farmer found his burnt body near his burnt Kia Sorento in a gravel road off the M1 Tasker Road in the Ste Madeleine police district. A yellow rope was tied around Hosein’s neck, his hands were bound, and his eyes were covered with duct tape.

Police investigations quickly focused on Baldeo and Mohammed after CCTV footage, witness accounts, and forensic evidence linked them to Hosein’s apartment. A white Toyota Fielder wagon driven by Baldeo was intercepted later that day, and items belonging to the deceased were recovered. A post-mortem examination determined that Hosein died from a combination of asphyxia, inhalation of soot, burns, and blunt force trauma to the head.

Baldeo and Mohammed both pleaded guilty to murder on the basis of felony murder under a plea agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The agreement followed their indictment on June 18, 2024, for Hosein’s murder of Hosein. In sentencing the two, Justice Joseph-Patrick adopted a starting point of 33 years’ imprisonment for both. Baldeo benefited from a downward adjustment of three years for his conduct while incarcerated. A further one-third reduction was applied for his guilty plea, amounting to ten years. After also taking into account time already spent on remand of almost five years, Joseph-Patrick imposed a final sentence of a little over 15 years’ imprisonment.

Baldeo was represented by Rajiv Persad, SC, and Ajesh Summesar.

Mohammed’s starting point was also reduced by three years for remorse and positive conduct in prison. An additional one-year reduction was granted in light of her background, personal history, and immaturity at the time of the offence. She was 23 at the time. A further one-third reduction for her guilty plea, amounting to nine years and eight months,was applied. After credit for time spent in custody, Mohammed received a final sentence of slightly over 14 years’ imprisonment.

She was represented by attorneys Michelle Ali and Kameika Peters of the Public Defenders’ Department.

In an affidavit placed before the court, Mohammed described a deeply troubled personal history, including childhood sexual abuse and a turbulent, on-and-off relationship with Hosein. She said aspects of that relationship caused past trauma to resurface and contributed to her emotional state at the time.

Mohammed admitted she and Baldeo were also in a tumultuous relationship. He helped her and her mother financially and with errands. She said it was never her intuition to lead him on, but she now realises she was wrong for entertaining his advances. She detailed incidents in which she alleged he had previously assaulted her, leading to serious injuries and extended hospitalisation.

According to Mohammed, after her release from hospital she moved in with Hosein due to her physical condition and financial dependence. She said she also suffered abuse by Hosein while recovering from her injuries.

She claimed that she later disclosed her experiences to Baldeo, who offered to “rough up” Hosein. She admitted accepting that offer and helping to plan the encounter, but maintained that she did not intend or expect Hosein to die.

“I understand that I was a party in the act that caused the deceased to die,” Mohammed stated, “but I had no intention or knowledge that he was going to die.”

She described the past five years in custody as “a nightmare” and expressed remorse for her actions.

Point Fortin man acquitted of murder

A Point Fortin man who had been on trial for the 2022 murder of Ikem Best has been found not guilty by a Port of Spain jury. He was acquitted on October 9.

Kareem Guadeloupe, 45, was before Justice Gillian Scotland charged on April 15, 2023, for the murder of Ikem Best, who was shot dead on October 7, 2022, along Circular Drive, Francis Lane, Warden Road, Point Fortin.

Best was standing along the roadway when occupants of a grey B15 car drove by and opened fire, killing him. This was his second trial.

His first trial, which began in May 2025 before Justice Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds, was aborted after prejudicial evidence emerged during the proceedings. Justice Ramsumair-Hinds discharged the 12-member jury and three alternates, ruling that the evidence could not be cured by judicial directions.

Guadeloupe consistently maintained his innocence in the fatal shooting of Best. The trial began on September 22.

He was represented by attorneys Michelle Ali and Analisa Ramsaran of the Public Defenders Department, while State prosecutors Kezia Gray-Birkette and Tammy Cato appeared on behalf of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In 2019, Guadeloupe was also acquitted by a jury of the 2005 murders of brothers Neil and Nigel Seebran.

The brothers were last seen at their home at Sifoo Trace, Granville, Cedros, on the morning of November 17, 2005. Then, on January 12, 2006, their bodies were found huddled in a grave about 100 feet to the back of their home. An autopsy revealed they died from chop wounds.

Man freed after 20 years for cop’s killing

AFTER serving 20 years for the murder of a police officer, a Beetham man has been released from prison.

Kerron Joseph, also known as Atiba Carr, now 37, was released from prison on June 30, after serving the minimum 20-year sentence for the 2002 murder of PC Keiran Parke.

Joseph was 16 years old at the time of the crime, which took place at the corner of Adjodha Street and Don Miguel Road in San Juan, on December 30, 2002.

He was convicted by a jury on March 15, 2005, for fatally shooting Parke, a court and process police officer, who was in full uniform issuing a summons when he was attacked. Joseph was sentenced to be held at the court’s pleasure, with a review set for March 15, 2025, on the expiry of the 20-year minimum term.

At the June 30 review hearing, Justice Indrani Cedeno agreed with submissions from public defenders Michelle Ali and Shuzvon Ramdass, who argued that Joseph had completed the punitive portion of his sentence and had shown signs of rehabilitation. Cedeno ordered his release.

During his time in prison, Joseph took part in several educational and rehabilitation programmes. He earned literacy and computer certificates, completed anger management and drug rehabilitation programs, and was recognised for excellence in tailoring and graphic design. Reports from prison officials praised his attitude and progress.

He also had expressed deep remorse for the murder and has family support and job prospects upon release.

Although the state submitted a report from Parke’s widow, who described the emotional and financial challenges her family faced after her husband’s death, prosecutors did not object to his release as they said Joseph no longer posed a threat to society and met the criteria for release under section 81 of the Children’s Act.

At the trial, the prosecution’s case depended almost entirely on the evidence of a 15-year-old who was seated at a culvert when he said he saw Parke and saw a “youthman” on a BMX bicycle shoot the officer before removing his service pistol. The witness identified Joseph as the shooter at a police identification parade.

Assistant DPP Stacy Laloo-Chong, Destinee Gray and Ann Mahabir represented the State.

Debe man sentenced to 18 years for killing father in 2008

Debe resident Christopher Bissoo, who was initially charged with the murder of his father, has been sentenced to 18 years with hard labour after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter on the grounds of provocation.

However, he will only serve two years as the court deducted the time (16 years and 14 days) already spent in custody.

Bissoo’s case ended on January 16, 2025, after the State and Defence attorneys entered plea discussions.

Attorney Michelle Ali, instructed by Shaunelle Hamilton, represented the accused of Bougainvillea Drive, and attorney Chenelle Moe represented the State.

The matter was heard before High Court judge Justice Tricia Hudlin-Cooper.

The then 23-year-old man was charged with the murder of his father, Glen Bissoo, 53, who was stabbed at the family’s home on June 8, 2008.

Bissoo is now 39.

In a plea agreement filed on September 30, 2024, the State agreed to allow Bissoo to plead to manslaughter instead of murder.

In December, his attorneys filed sentencing submissions and a plea in mitigation to the court, saying Bissoo accepted his wrong and, throughout his time being incarcerated, sought ways of dealing with situations and reacting differently to certain situations. The attorneys submitted that he expressed remorse, changed his mindset, as well as renewed faith in God. He has also learned to control himself in situations that may cause a need for reaction. Last year, Ali made a bail application and Bissoo was granted bail.

The defence had further submitted that Bissoo illustrates his positive inroads since being on bail and attending church weekly with his mother.

The defence proposed a starting sentencing point of 24 years, to which the State did not object.

On January 7, the State filed submissions on sentencing, asking the court to consider the aggravating factors like the seriousness and prevalence of the offence, the use of a weapon (knife) and the level of harm as the deceased was stabbed multiple times.

After considering factors like Bissoo’s age compared to that of the deceased and his admission to using drugs at the time of the offence, the judge made an upward adjustment of three years. The adjustment meant that the starting point went from 24 to 27 years.

A one-third discount, which equalled nine years, was applied to his sentence because of the guilty plea.

After the discount, Bissoo was left with 18 years. The court noted no mitigating factors in Bissoo’s favour as his apology was not seen as a sign of genuine remorse. The court also considered his failure to complete any rehabilitation programmes while incarcerated.

The judge addressed the delays in the case, which were largely attributed to the lengthy wait for medical reports, including three independent evaluations.

The sentence began on January 16, meaning he spent a few months on bail before he was remanded back into custody to serve the term.

Belmont man freed after serving 33 years for 1991 murder

AFTER more than three decades behind bars for the murder of a rival drug dealer, a Belmont resident has been released from prison.

High Court Judge Tricia Hudlin-Cooper ordered Keiron Thomas’s immediate release during a resentencing hearing in November, following evolving legal precedents regarding indefinite life sentences.

Thomas was convicted in July 1994 of the 1991 murder of Wayne Gerry Williams in St Barb’s, Belmont. The two had a turbulent relationship, and weeks before the fatal incident, Williams assaulted Thomas, accusing him of tampering with his drugs.

On August 7, 1991, Williams was walking through a track when Thomas attacked him with a garden fork. After the handle broke, Thomas continued the assault using the broken handle and then chased Williams, delivering multiple chop wounds when he fell.

A mutual friend who witnessed the incident testified against Thomas as the State’s key witness.

Thomas admitted to attacking Williams during his trial, but claimed the witness inflicted the fatal injury.

Despite his defence, Thomas was convicted of murder.

The Court of Appeal upheld Thomas’s conviction in 1996, and the Privy Council refused permission to appeal further.

Initially sentenced to death, Thomas spent 17 years on death row. His sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment under a landmark Privy Council ruling that prohibited executions more than five years after conviction.

In May 2023, Justice Ricky Rahim remitted Thomas’s case to the criminal assizes for his resentencing.

Hudlin-Cooper began with a 45-year prison term, emphasising the need to address violent crime.

She then reduced the sentence on the basis of mitigating factors. Thomas received a two-year discount for his prolonged time on death row; a year for his remorse; two years for participating in rehabilitation programmes; and two years for his good behaviour and avoiding disciplinary infractions in prison.

This brought his sentence to 38 years. Factoring in prison remission for good behaviour, Thomas was deemed to have completed his sentence and was ordered to be released.

Hudlin-Cooper commended Thomas for his efforts at rehabilitation while in prison and urged him to steer clear of crime as he reintegrates into society. She also encouraged him to use his experience to counsel youths in his community against criminal activity.

Thomas was represented by attorneys Michelle Ali and Aleena Ramjag of the Public Defenders Department. Norma Peters appeared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Point Fortin men sentenced for killing villager, 83

TWO Point Fortin men have pleaded guilty to slashing the throat of an elderly villager one of them accused of molesting someone he knew.

Brandon Hosein and Joel Archargee have since been sentenced for the crime, which occurred in 2013. They were charged with the murder of Stephen Lee, 83, of Cap-de-Ville, on February 25, 2013.

On November 6, Justice Mauricia Joseph sentenced the two men after they were allowed to plead guilty to manslaughter based on provocation in a plea deal with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in September.

The judge accepted the agreed sentence of 25 years for both men but gave them a two-year deduction for their attempts at rehabilitation, their remorse, their good conduct in prison and the factor which led to the act.

She also gave the two a one-third discount for their guilty pleas and deducted the 11 years, seven months and 17 days they have spent in prison, which leaves them with three years left to serve with hard labour.

Hosein claimed he acted in a drunken and marijuana-induced rage after finding out about an alleged incident involving Lee and someone he knew.

He elicited the help of Archargee, his childhood friend. Lee’s throat was slashed. A friend of the two had earlier witnessed Hosein choking Lee.

That friend went to the police and called Hosein on his cellphone and had him on speakerphone.

Hosein told him he “done tie up the man and I want to stash this car, I go call yuh back, I go call yuh back,” before the phone cut off. He called him back and Hosein told him, “Boy, we in the bush, I go call yuh back…we in town, boy, we in town.”

A man walking his dog on Field Road, heading to Santa Flora, found Lee’s body the next day.

When arrested, Hosein admitted to beating, chopping Lee on the neck and concealing his body under car tubes after he got vex when he saw him.

Archargee told police he was cleaning the car when he heard two chops and “saw the man get chop already and Brandon had a cutlass in he hand.”

In his mother’s presence, he also told them, “Mammy, me eh kill nobody, is Brandon who chop Mr Lee with a cutlass three times in he neck and shoulder and kill him.

“I was right dey with Brandon. I wasn’t going to kill him.”

He admitted to tying a shoelace around Lee’s neck and said he did not know what to do when he saw his face change colour.

“It was then Brandon chopped Lee and they threw him in the bush and covered the body with tyres.

“The plan never to kill the man. It was just to beat him up and take de car…The plan was never to kill him.”

The two were charged on March 20, 2013.

They were represented by Michelle Ali, Nicholas Rampersadsingh, Shuzvon Ramdass and Aleena Ramjag of the Public Defenders Department. Brandon Sookoo represented the State.

Siparia duo plead guilty to 2015 murder, sentenced

TWO men have just under ten years to serve for the New Year’s Eve murder in Siparia in 2015.

Keon “Dougla” Fabien and Dillon “Strongy” Maharaj pleaded guilty to felony murder which resulted in the death of Zwade Taylor on December 31, 2015.

They entered plea-deal discussions with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in April, three months after an indictment was filed. The plea deal was accepted and concluded in July and the two pleaded guilty to felony murder.

They also pleaded guilty to kidnapping and robbing a “PH” taxi driver with aggravation when they appeared before Justice Nalini Singh on September 4.

Singh sentenced Fabien to 18 years for felony murder; six years and eight months for kidnapping and seven years and four months for robbery with aggravation. Maharaj received the same sentence for Taylor’s murder; and six years for kidnapping and six years and eight months for robbery with aggravation.

They both received a one-third discount for their guilty pleas, and the eight years they spent in custody were also deducted from their sentences, leaving them with just under ten years left to serve.

Taylor was shot at Sudama Alley. His brother, Atiba, was at home with his wife and children when his brother stumbled into the living room at about 9 pm. Taylor fell to the ground and gasped for breath in his brother’s arms.

Atiba saw a gunshot wound in his brother’s back and blood was flowing out of his mouth and nose. Emergency personnel were contacted but Taylor died at the Siparia health facility.

Fabian was arrested at Darsan Lane on January 1, after villagers reported a suspicious person in the area. Maharaj was arrested on January 4.

Fabian told police he went along, “going with the flow,” and admitted to shooting a man in the back.

Maharaj said Fabian robbed Taylor, and “had a lil scramble” for the gun before shooting him in the back after Taylor tried to run.

Dasrath was on his last trip to Fyzabad when he was hired by one of the men to go to Siparia.

He said shortly after, two men with bandanas covering their faces jumped out of the bushes and got into the back seat of his car. He was ordered to get into the back seat and one of the men drove them to a lonely road.

Dasrath’s hands and feet were tied with shoelaces and he was left there until he was able to untie his feet and get help to get to the Fyzabad police station. Officers there untied his hands and took him to the Siparia police station, where a report was made.

Police recovered some of the jewellery stolen from Dasrath when they held Fabian.

Fabian was represented by public defenders Whitney Franklin and Shuzvon Ramdass. Michelle Ali and Jeron Paul, also from the Public Defenders’ Department, represented Maharaj.

Rebecca Trim-Wright and Kezia Grey-Birkette represented the DPP’s office.

Moruga man acquitted of 2010 wounding charge

A Moruga man has been acquitted of planassing a fellow villager in 2010.

A jury found Williace Rodriguez not guilty on June 21.

He was before Justice Devan Rampersad charged with wounding Andrew Gabaro with intent to do him grievous bodily harm, in a four-day trial which ended with his being freed by the judge after the jury returned its verdict.

The State alleged Rodriguez and another man, Shazim Lalloosingh, attacked Gabaro at his St Mary’s Village home on September 26, 2008.

Lalloosingh previously pleaded guilty and took the blame for the incident.

Gabaro’s evidence was read to the jury, as he died before the matter came to trial. He claimed the men pulled up to his home and started planassing him with two cutlasses they took from his house, and also chopped him on the hand. It was alleged there was a disagreement over boundaries between his property and a neighbour’s.

At the time of the incident, he said he was fencing around his place.

Gabaro was taken to the St Mary’s police station, where he made a report.

In his defence, Rodriguez admitted he had been present, but tried to part the fight, and did not have a cutlass in his hand.

Defence attorney Michelle Ali, of the public defenders’ department, put it to the officer who investigated the report, PC Joseph Lambert, that he did an incomplete investigation, without bothering to take statements from witnesses who were present on the day, and only took one statement from Gabaro.

Ali also suggested to Lambert that he failed to take her client’s statement when he tried to tell his side of the story.

Rodriguez was also represented by Markus Issac, also of the public defenders’ department.

Maloney Gardens man goes on trial for 2010 murder of ex-girlfriend

A Maloney Gardens man has gone on trial for the murder of his former girlfriend in 2010.

Sheldon Ishmael Gumbs, also called “Worm,” is before Justice Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds in a judge-only trial at the Port of Spain High Court for the murder of Krystal Richards.

It is alleged on May 29, 2010, Richards, 26, was killed by a gunman who fired a shot through the window of her kitchen at Building 20, Maloney Gardens, at about 10 pm.

Her body was found by a relative in the kitchen.

Testifying at the trial on May 1, were the woman’s younger sister, who was 12 at the time of the shooting, and Richards’ daughter. Both women could not recall certain details of their statements they allegedly gave to the police.

They said they knew Gumbs as Richards’ companion. Her sister said she could not recall if she saw him on the day Richards was killed while her daughter said she was watching Hannah Montana on television when she heard her mother talking to someone by the door and then she heard gunshots.

She admitted she did not see who her mother was speaking to at the door but heard part of her conversation. She also did not see who shot her mother.

In her opening address, lead prosecutor Charmaine Samuel said Richards and Gumbs spoke briefly that evening. She said he and some neighbours were liming at the back of another building at Maloney Gardens when Richards’ daughter heard her speaking to someone briefly at the door at about 9.45 pm.

Samuel said Richards went to the kitchen to make tea and just before 9.57 pm, her daughter heard her on the phone telling someone “she not taking no sorry.”

Soon after, Samuel said three gunshots were heard. Samuel also said Gumbs allegedly confessed to one of the neighbours who was with Gumbs earlier that evening and that he “did not mean to do it.”

At Wednesday’s hearing, the prosecution admitted formal statements from some of its witnesses. The trial continues on May 2.

Also prosecuting is Guiliana Guy while Michelle Ali of the public defenders’ department is representing Gumbs.

Holy Faith lifts Nah Leavin’ at Music Festival

HOLY Faith Convent Penal (HLCP) calypso choir breathed new life into the late Denyse Plummer’s Nah Leavin’ in a very pacey performance to make their mark at the south-central leg of the TT Music Festival at Naparima Bowl, San Fernando, on Friday. Plummer won the 2001 calypso monarch with this song, and Heroes.

The Holy Faith pupils placed third (81 marks), behind Naparima Girls High School (first, 89 marks) and St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando (second, 87 marks).

All presentations had a folk flavour. While Holy Faith kept about the same paciness as Plummer’s original, pupils sang with a slight staccato to add a rapso mood to the piece.

Singing at different pitches, the girls created wonderful blends, at times framed by backing vocals undulating in a deeper register (range of pitches).

Midway through, they suddenly took the song to a slow walking pace, to great effect.

Their words were merely those of everyday speech, yet the suddenly slowed pace strangely gave it an almost gospel-music-like mood.

“I wake up one morning and before I stretch, Is fry bake, doubles, meh nostril done ketch.”

The words then became introspective to match the mood of the melody. “And there for my view, an ocean so blue. I’m going no where, No where.”

The verve of the young, fresh voices really gave a new impetus to the very well-known song.

Holy Faith music teacher Kwasida Smith told Newsday that it had been easy to select the song for the class because pupils were already familiar with it.

“They were like, ‘Okay, Miss. We like this one.’

“We tried something a little different from the other choirs. Normally they would have accompaniment, but we just chose guitar and drum, so that the voices could be heard more.

“It worked for us, at least for the most part. The students enjoyed it, which is what I am glad about.”

Smith said pupils had included a choreography. “Not everyone has all the rhythm but they came together and they were helping each other as well during rehearsals.”

Everyone was glad with the experience, which had been those pupils first time at music festival.

“So to be competing against Naps and Prescon which are very seasoned choirs, you know.

“They were a bit intimidated but they still enjoyed the competition and they really are encouraged to come again. We are looking forward for another opportunity to perform.”

Newsday asked about the choirs sectioning. “We had altos and sopranos and some of the girls even sang tenor, those with some deeper voices. It was just a few but they were strong.”

Smith said she had arranged the piece.

Newsday noted the freshness of her pupils’ young voices, the gusto of the novice.

Smith said, “They are very excited. The younger ones. They are eager.

“For most of the choir it is a lot of form ones and a lot of form twos because they are excited to be involved and to take part.”

She said younger pupils were so keen they would attend music practice every day, even as older pupils might need reminding to attend.

“We also had support from other teachers. The Theatre Arts teacher helped us with some of the movements. They would come and observe and talk to me, ‘Yes, I think they should raise their hands, bend down.’ So we had plenty of teamwork and stuff.”

Adjudicator Nubia Williams said, “Good start. All the lyrics were heard throughout.

“A mix of fine thinner voices and warmer voices heard and utilised in the answering part.” She advised care in harmonic choices and articulation.

“The change in tempo certainly added that nostalgic feel for Trinidad and Tobago that speaks of not wanting to leave.

“More variation could be added in terms of volume and intensity, to heighten the meaning and interpretation of this piece.”

Naparima Girls sang Ella Andell’s Rhythm of a People, while the Prescon choir sang Robert “Mighty Trini” Elias’ Sailing.

Naps turned the calypso into a folk performance, leaning forward with their rallying cry, “Are you ready?”

They then rocked back with two hands flung up to shoulder height, palms forward inquiringly.

Throughout the song, musicality was reflected by bodily motions. This was truly a profession-level of performance.

Williams praised Naps Girls. “A strong rhythmic start. A perfectly balanced performance. An interesting arrangement, modulating between the brighter major keys and soulful minors.

“Very good expression with voice used to effectively contrast with tone colour, texture and volume.

“The orchestration presented a fresh take on Rhythm of a People.”

Naps pupil Elizabeth Singh told Newsday, “I think it went really well. All the hard work paid off. We have been training for a while, a lot of practices.”

She said Naps pupils had trained in the calypso and folk choirs, both classes which they had won that week.

Singh liked the arrangement for the calypso chorale. “The minor key brought a twist to the song. Without the minor key it would have been less interesting.”

She said the choir had different sections – soprano, mezzo soprano (middle), and alto – to be sung at different parts of the song.

“Everyone is very excited, where we are getting ready to go onto next week’s championship.”

Naps pupil Abrianna Cinnie said, “Honesty I am shocked that we have managed to achieve such an amazing achievement. I think we worked really hard.”

She deeply thanked her teachers.

Naps pupil Jxaihon (“Zion”) Taylor told Newsday, “The experience was wonderful. For a moment there we were all sitting down and we were all like, ‘Oh my gosh, can we beat the boys?’ And we did (referring to Presentation College boys singing with the Prescon choir). On International Women’s Day too! I think we are amazing. I am really proud of us.”

The Prescon calypso choir had oozed confidence and effortless ease on stage. This was a group of friends having fun, the fruits of their their sophistication, experience and maturity.

Likening TT to a ship, they sang, “I sailing with de boat, sink or float, I sailing with de boat!”

Williams remarked, “A vibrant, energetic entrance. Nice blend of colours. All lyrics were heard clearly throughout. Nice idea, moving into the minor section.

“But be careful with the transition, regarding the rhythmic change.” She hailed Prescon’s interesting arrangement. “Parts were well thought out and nicely distributed.”

She advised them to be careful with accurate pitching at a certain point. “Very sensitive ending.”

Prescon’s Naima Gordon said, “For the calypso, we told a story with this song. This was the best we ever performed. Congratulations to Naps, but I feel we really outdid ourselves with this.”

Prescon’s Cameron Cadogan said, “I say it was a really, really good experience. I learnt a lot from it. I had an amazing time. I congratulate Naps Girls on first place in the calypso category.”

Man rapes, robs woman in front of daughter, jailed 13 years

A Claxton Bay man who raped a woman during a robbery in 2014 will serve another three years and five months in prison.

On March 8, Brent Bedessie was sentenced by Justice George Busby after he entered a plea deal with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Bedessie was charged with rape. He pleaded guilty on January 11 and his attorney Michelle Ali of the Public Defender’s Department made a plea in mitigation.

Bedessie received a one-third discount for his guilty plea and the nine years and three months he has spent remanded were also discounted, leaving him with three years and five months left to serve.

Busby said a sentence must deter a potential offender because of the prevalence of rape offences. He started with a 20 year prison term which increased to 21 because Bedessie had four previous convictions.

However, he said that Bedessie was a barber in prison and was allowed to cut officers’ hair meant prison officials had a level of trust in him to be assigned that duty so it augured well in terms of his rehabilitation.

On December 4, 2014, Bedessie forced his way into his victim’s home as she was opening her front door after picking up her young daughter.

He then demanded , “Where is the money and the jewel?” and she told him, “We don’t have any money and jewel.”

Bedessie then forced the woman to lie on the ground with her daughter. He put a knife on her daughter’s neck and warned them not to scream, otherwise, “he will do something about it.”

He then raped the woman in her daughter’s presence.

Bedessie ransacked the house and jewellery, money, a camera and a sim card.

He warned his victim not to tell anyone. When he left, she sought help from a neighbor and reported the rape to the Couva police.

On December 6, 2014, at the police station, Bedessie, told officers “…ah took the jewels and them and a camcorder, ah take the phone and take out the sim card and hand she back the phone look ah have the sim card in meh pocket.” He gave officers the sim card.

Busby condemned the use of violence and the fact that the mother was raped in her child’s presence which he said would have been unimaginably degrading.

The State was represented by prosecutors Ambay Ramkellawan and Samantha Maharaj.