6 years for chopping

Dyer was before Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor and a jury of nine, on trial for chopping Kwasi Lewis, 16, on November 6, 2005, at Market Street in Fyzabad. It took 12 years for the case to move from the magistrates court to the High Courts for trial. During the long wait, Lewis passed away. It was not disclosed to the jury, the cause of Lewis’ death.

Lewis’ evidence during the Preliminary Inquiry in the magistrates’ court, was read to the jury during the trial which was prosecuted by Maria Lyons-Edwards and Sarah De Silva. Sergeant Ablacksingh who laid the charge, gave evidence at the trial.

Attorney Jason Jackson and Persuha Lord represented Dyer who opted not to go in the witness box and testify on his own behalf. Dyer’s defence was that he was provoked by Lewis during an argument at which, stones were thrown at him (Dyer).

The prosecution also proffered bad character evidence in which it was revealed that Dyer has a propensity to violence having been charged with assaulting a police officer and escaping unlawful custody. On December 8, the jury found Dyer guilty of wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.

In passing sentence on Monday, Justice Windsor said Dyer is currently in custody on a charge for which he is awaiting trial.

She sentenced him to six years and four months imprisonment with hard labour and said he must undergo anger management counselling.