In a significant legal development at the Berbice Assizes, 42-year-old Dexroy Ogleton was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for the death of Jermaine Elias, known locally as ‘Deportee’. The sentencing, which took place yesterday, was presided over by Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

The case, which has drawn attention in the New Amsterdam community, saw Ogleton plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. This plea played a crucial role in the final sentencing decision.

Justice Isaacs-Marcus began with a sentencing ceiling of 18 years but reduced it by one-third in consideration of Ogleton’s guilty plea. This calculation resulted in the 12-year sentence handed down to the defendant.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered that prison officials should make further deductions from Ogleton’s sentence to account for the time he has already spent as a remanded prisoner. This decision aligns with standard practices in the Guyanese judicial system, ensuring that pre-trial detention is considered in the overall sentencing.

The case has highlighted the judicial process’s approach to manslaughter cases in Guyana, particularly the consideration given to guilty pleas in determining sentences. It also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the criminal justice system in addressing violent crimes in the region.

As Ogleton begins his sentence, the community of New Amsterdam continues to grapple with the impact of this tragic event. The case serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of violent actions and the judicial system’s role in addressing such incidents.

Local authorities hope that this sentencing will serve not only as justice for the victim’s family but also as a deterrent to potential offenders in the future. The case continues to be a topic of discussion among legal professionals and community members alike, as they reflect on issues of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation in Guyana’s justice system.