Cedros proprietor freed of shooting villager with pellet gun

Stephen Singh, 63, a proprietor of Bois Bourg Village was charged with wounding 60-year-old Wayne “Shine” Vesprey with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. The incident occurred on November 24, 2005.

After leaving the court, Singh commented on the issue of trials by jury.

“I believe it should stay,” he said. “There is no other fair system.” His attorney Kevin Ratiram said he intends to sue the State on Singh’s behalf because the accused man had given a statement to the police but it never surfaced at the trial.

The State’s case was led by attorney Stacy Lallo- Chong.

Vesprey testified that Singh shot him during an argument inside Singh’s shop. The bullet penetrated the forehead and Vesprey was rushed to hospital.

In his defence, Singh testified that he was trying to protect his wife from being raped when he shot Vesprey.

He said Vesprey, who appeared to be drunk, entered the shop at about 12.30 pm and started dancing to the music which was being played. He told Justice Holdip and the nine-member jury that he refused Vesprey’s request for a nip of Puncheon rum and Vesprey started cursing.

“Shine started to rock the gate and it opened.

He leaned over the counter and make a grab for my wife. He said that he will rape she. I had the gun behind the fridge and I pulled it. I fired. I didn’t aim at no specific place on him.” Singh also testified that he gave an interview to police officers and he signed two pieces of paper. However, he said he never saw the statement he gave.

Police officers who testified denied they ever took statements from Singh although he was, at that time, the suspect in the matter.

The jurors deliberated for just over an hour and returned with the not guilty verdict.