(Kaieteur News) – Bhola Jaipersaud, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder when he appeared before the Berbice High Court last week, made a last-minute change to his plea when the matter was called again on Monday.

Appearing before Justice Gino Persaud, Jaipersaud pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, which carries a lower sentence than murder.

The agreement was reached between the prosecution, led by State Counsel Marisa Edwards, and the defence, led by attorney Latchmie Rahamat, who informed the court of her client’s decision.