Jail for man who tried to kill policewoman

Warren Dennis, a former cane cutter who back in 2017 brutally chopped a policewoman, severing her wrist in the process was on Friday morning sent to jail for three years. The sentence was imposed on the 48-year-old man by Demerara High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall.

At an earlier court hearing, Dennis had pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge, in admitting to unlawfully wounding the 33-year-old mother of three on April 23, 2017, at Beterverwagting (BV), East Coast Demerara (ECD). The two shared a common-law relationship at the time of the incident.

Following a disagreement, Dennis followed the woman who was riding a bicycle and when he caught up with her, he dealt several chops to her head, back, face, and other parts of her body with a cutlass. As a result of the brutal attack, the woman lost her left wrist.

During a sentencing hearing on Friday, Dennis beseeched the court for mercy. “I kindly ask the court for mercy and forgiveness. I know I hurt someone; I am asking her to forgive me. Whatever I can contribute to her life, I will do it.  I am very sorry…” the convict said.

He told the court that his life has changed since he entered prison back in 2017, noting that he has successfully completed anger management classes. The victim, on the other hand, detailed how the gruesome attack has impacted her ability to care for herself and her children.

“Because of this incident, I have low self-esteem, and I don’t socialize anymore. This incident has taken a toll on me. Every day I cry because of what this man has done to me. I would like the court to impose the maximum penalty on Warren Dennis for everything he has put me through.”

Justice Morris-Ramlall, in her sentencing remarks, highlighted the serious nature and the prevalence of the offence in society. She said that the incident has left the woman physically and psychologically scarred.

In the end, Dennis was sentenced to eight years in prison, less time served which adds up to five years since he has been on remand since April 26, 2017.

This means he will only spend three years in prison after the deduction is made by the prison authority. Justice Morris-Ramlall also ordered that the convict undergoes counseling tailored for persons convicted of violent offenses until he completes serving his sentence.

State Counsel Cicelia Corbin appeared for the prosecution while Dennis was represented by Attorney-at-Law Madan Kissoon.