A former aspiring lawyer who has been found guilty of manslaughter committed in April 2016 was on Wednesday jailed for 23 years.
Twenty-year-old Davenand Dhandhari of Lot 27 Betsy Ground, East Canje Berbice was found guilty by a mixed jury in the Berbice Assizes two weeks ago, but returned to court on Wednesday for sentencing. It has been legally established that Dhandhari unlawfully killed Omesh Seelall, called “Rovin” and “Short Neck”, also of Betsy Ground, in a wedding house brawl during April 2016. The 21-year-old Seelall was hit to the head with a piece of wood Dhandhari had removed from an animal cart.
The youths had been among other persons when an argument ensued between them. The accused reportedly grabbed the wood and hit Seelall on the head, rendering him unconscious.
Dhandhari told the court that Seelall was attacking him with a knife and he got hold of the wood to defend himself, and he lashed the now dead man to his head with it. Seelall, a labourer, sustained injuries to his head, resulting in his death six days after he was hit.
Dhandhari was found guilty of manslaughter, and Justice Joann Barlow had ordered a probation report on him.
Probation and Welfare Officer Maisie Sheppard, in presenting that report, told the court that an interview with Dhandhri’s father revealed that he is very remorseful and has regretted the loss of the life of someone with whom he had grown up.
Sheppard also told the court that an interview with the deputy headteacher of one of the schools Dhandhari had attended revealed that during his tenure at the school, he was periodically disrespectful to most teachers, but yet adhered to all the school rules and instructions given to him by teachers.
She also reported that during his incarceration he was involved in a fight in the New Amsterdam Prison.
Sheppard said he experienced conflicts at school with both his teachers and peers because he was unable to control his anger during conflicts; and this had eventually led to his action and the subsequent offence of manslaughter.
Defense Attorney Mursaline Bacchus explained that at the time of the offence his client was a student. In mitigating for leniency, Bacchus said no dangerous weapon had been used.
Noting that Dhandhari wanted to attend University and become a lawyer, Bacchus asked the court to give him an opportunity to realise his dreams.
However, Justice Joann Barlow pointed out that the wood which was used is just as lethal as a gun or cutlass if sufficient force is used.
She said he seems to have difficulty maintaining his cool, and ordered that while in prison he be exposed to anger management sessions, as she handed down a 23-year sentence.
