The Justice of Peace (JP) who unlawfully attached a live electric wire to his fence was still in police custody up to press time following the electrocution of a man.

The alleged water drum thief was electrocuted Wednesday morning about when he reportedly jumped the fence of a JP at Triumph, East Coast Demerara.

Learie Semple, of 174 Surat Drive, Triumph, East Coast Demerara, an alleged petty thief who preferred “fruits”, according to his sister Samantha Semple, was killed when he came into contact with the live wire.

She added that most people in the neighbourhood knew that her sibling picked coconuts but he never stole other things and his demise came as a total shock to the family.

Samantha Semple told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that the incident took place at Lot 12 Surat Drive.

She noted that a barrel was near the fence and her brother was lying in a drain at the side of the JP’s yard when she arrived at the crowded scene.

She said that they are awaiting the results of a post mortem expected to be performed today.

Samantha Semple said the JP indicated that he had attached the live wire on his fence to keep cows away.