Murder accused Fazal Mohammed, alias ‘Boy’ and Mongoose, experienced a change of heart after he was brought to the Berbice Assizes, where he was expected to plead to his murder indictment.

During the goal delivery report last week, Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Linden Cornette, had revealed that Mohammed was among four inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison who are requesting to plead when their cases come up for hearing.

However, appearing at the Berbice Assizes two Wednesdays ago, Defence Attorney Mr Raymond Ali told the Guyana Chronicle that his client wished to maintain his innocence, and would instead plead not guilty to the offence.

Consequent to an in-chamber meeting between Justice Brassington Reynolds, State Counsel Renita Singh, and Defence Counsel Raymond Alli, it was noted that the trial could not commence as the stint of the presiding judge would be over within the week.
Thereafter ascending to the Bench, Justice Reynolds informed the jury-in-waiting that the accused had a change of heart, and, as such, a new date is to be for hearing.

Another Judge, Justice Navindra Singh, is expected to commence trials on July 1.

Meanwhile, Fazal Mohammed, who was escorted to the New Amsterdam Prison where he will await his trial, is accused of beating Shahid Makutnauth at Number 68 Village, Corentyne. The nude and decomposed body of the deceased was found in a spread-eagled position floating in a pool of water surrounded by shrubs and trees.

The pre-teen had gone missing for two days prior to his discovery. The cause of his death has been given as multiple injuries.

(By Jeune Bailey Vankeric)