…to know fate on Sept 3

A murder trial at the Berbice Assizes came to an abrupt end on Monday after the accused, Bhola Jaipersaud, also called “Joey,” changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter in the killing of Rameshwar Sydney, known as “Whyte Eye.” Jaipersaud entered the guilty plea before Justice Gino Persaud during his second appearance in the High Court. Following the plea, the court adjourned the matter to September 3 when a sentencing hearing will be held.

When the trial opened last week, Jaipersaud had denied the murder charge and a 12-member jury was empanelled to hear the matter. However, the change of plea brought the murder trial to an end before the case proceeded further. Jaipersaud had been indicted for the murder of Sydney, a cash-crop farmer, who was killed on July 8, 2022. The prosecution had previously indicated that it intended to call 15 witnesses during the trial. During the hearing on September 3, the prosecution and defence are expected to make submissions before Justice Persaud determines the appropriate sentence. Jaipersaud remains in custody pending the sentencing hearing. Sydney, a father of five, was killed at Bush Lot Village and reports at the time stated that Sydney had returned home from his farm and was having lunch when a neighbour visited and invited him over to chat.