Father of one gets life sentence for killing labourer

Donald Sheriff, 33, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Tuesday.

Previously, he had entered a guilty plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter in connection with the death of labourer Keron Nicholson in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Dead- Keron Nicholson

When Sheriff called “Ducky,” who is the father of a four-year-old girl, appeared before Berbice High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon on Tuesday, the custodial punishment was imposed on him.

The killing happened along Patrick’s Dam, Angoy’s Avenue in New Amsterdam. 

Attorney at Law Muntaz Ali prosecuted the case on behalf of the State, while Attorneys at Law Tuanna Hardy and Charlyn Artiga represented Sheriff.

During an interview with a probation officer, Sheriff claimed he attacked in self defence.

Meanwhile, in his sentencing remarks, Justice Kissoon quoted the now-deceased Justice Cecil Kennard, saying, “Life is sacred and once taken cannot be restored.”

Given the several aggravating circumstances, the recurrence of violent homicides, the gravity of the offence, and other factors, Justice Kissoon decided that the life sentence was warranted.

This offender must serve 15 years before he is eligible for parole.

In addition, the Judge ordered the Prison Service to give the Sheriff “due credit” for the time he was placed under remand.

It was mandated that this inmate participate in anger management classes.

According to reports, Nicholson, 33, and Sheriff got into a heated dispute on March 8, 2020, which turned into an altercation.

But Nicholson was attacked by Sheriff with a piece of wood as he walked away.

After being brought to the New Amsterdam Hospital at first, Nicholson was moved to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where on March 17, 2020, he passed away from his wounds.

It was not until May 16, 2020, near Stone Creek Backdam, Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro Siparuni) when Nicholson was captured by the Police and charged with the crime.