Accused in tears as murder charge read out in court

A DIEGO MARTIN man yesterday became emotionally overwhelmed when he appeared before a Port-of-Spain magistrate charged with the murder of a Petit Valley handyman.

Shaheed Sookoo, 25, of Waterwheel Road, Diego Martin, appeared before Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Eighth Court charged with the November 30 murder of 29-year-old Marlon “Crane” Hassic of Morne Coco Road, Petit Valley. Hassic was chopped to death in a dirt track near his home while on his way to purchase Kentucky Fried Chicken. Sookoo, a straightener and painter, was charged on Tuesday night by Sgt Dave Duncan of the West End CID. He was represented by attorney Patrick Godson-Phillip.

Sookoo, who Phillip described as “young and traumatised,” burst into tears as the charge was being read by McNicolls, causing the magistrate to inquire about the reason for his tears. This, Phillip replied, was as a result of Sookoo being hit with the reality of the situation. As he was being led from the prisoners’ dock, the accused turned and looked helplessly at a relative seated in the courtroom. The matter was adjourned to November 10.