A former US military private has been sentenced for fatally chopping a man who repeatedly taunted him by claiming to be involved with his girlfriend.

Kameel Seepersad was sentenced by Justice Nalini Singh on May 26. He was originally charged with the murder of Rishi Sankar, which took place on June 27, 2016. In May, plea deal discussions with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions were completed, and Seepersad was allowed to plead guilty to manslaughter based on provocation.

After considering his good character, time already spent in prison, and his guilty plea, the judge informed Seepersad that prison authorities would determine whether he would be released immediately. Seepersad’s sentence was 23 years’ hard labour reduced to ten years’ hard labour for mitigating factors, and his one-third guilty plea discount before credit was given for time already served.