41 cases concluded during April–May 2025 Criminal Assizes

The April 2025 Criminal Assizes in Demerara concluded last Friday with 41 of the 105 listed cases disposed of, according to a comprehensive report released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Presiding over the two-month assizes were Justices Jo-Ann Barlow, Simone Morris-Ramlall, Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, Damone Younge, and Nareshwar Harnanan. The DPP’s Office presented 28 of the 41 concluded matters, while 13 cases were discontinued via nolle prosequi.

Of the 28 matters prosecuted, 15 were for murder, nine for sexual offences, and four for other violent crimes such as attempted murder, manslaughter, and felonious wounding. Outcomes included 14 guilty pleas, two guilty verdicts, six not guilty verdicts, five formal acquittals, and three cases discontinued in open court. A total of 31 accused persons appeared before the courts.

In the Sexual Offences Court, justices heard nine cases presented by State Counsel Simran Gajraj, Padma Dubraj, and Nerissa Peterkin. Three resulted in jury acquittals, three were discontinued due to absent complainants, two ended in formal not guilty verdicts when complainants withdrew, and one accused pleaded guilty to raping a child under 16; sentencing is scheduled for 4 June.

Before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, six cases were presented, including matters of manslaughter, attempted murder, and murder in the furtherance of robbery. In one high-profile case, three accused jointly indicted for murder and attempted murder pleaded guilty to manslaughter and felonious wounding. The principal accused received 18 years for manslaughter and 10 years for wounding, while the others received 15 and 12 years respectively. Sentences will run concurrently.

Justice Nareshwar Harnanan presided over six matters presented by State Counsel Abiola Lowe, Praneta Seeraj, and Mtumika Lumumba—five for murder and one for manslaughter. Four of the murder accused pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and received sentences ranging from seven years to over 16 years. One accused was acquitted, while another found guilty of manslaughter will be sentenced on 17 June.

State Counsel Muntaz Ali, Marisa Edwards, and Darin Chan prosecuted four murder cases before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall. Three accused pleaded guilty to murder; two received life sentences with parole eligibility after 18 and 24 years respectively, while the third will be sentenced on 17 June. A fourth accused was found guilty by jury and will also be sentenced on that date.

Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul heard three cases prosecuted by State Counsel Rbina Christmas and Alvaro Ramotar. One murder accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nearly 18 years after deductions. In a separate case involving two co-accused, one was acquitted by jury, and the other had his case dismissed following a successful no-case submission. Another accused pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and awaits sentencing on 20 June.

Matters Withdrawn

Of the 13 matters withdrawn by the DPP, five were sexual offences, discontinued due to complainants’ unwillingness to proceed; seven were attempted murder cases, with one complainant deceased and others opting out, often due to compensation; and one was for abduction, withdrawn due to the unavailability of key witnesses.

In Essequibo, Justice Navindra Singh presided over 13 cases presented by State Counsel Caressa Henry. Nine were for murder and four for sexual offences. Six accused pleaded to the lesser charge of manslaughter and received sentences from two to 20 years. One sexual offence accused was sentenced to 10 years, another awaits sentencing after a guilty verdict, and two cases were discontinued—one due to a complainant’s withdrawal and another requiring retrial after a hung jury.

In Berbice, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry heard four matters presented by State Counsel Cicelia Corbin. These included one manslaughter plea and three sexual offences, two of which ended in acquittals. The third was withdrawn after the complainant declined to testify. The DPP also discontinued six other Berbice matters.

During April and May 2025, the DPP appeared in eight appeal matters involving offences such as murder, attempted murder, and larceny. In one notable case, a life sentence was reduced to 25 years. Two of five bail applications pending appeal were granted; the rest were denied. One murder appeal remains ongoing.

In the Full Court, one assault matter saw the appeal application for bail withdrawn.