Hearing impaired woman indicted for husband manslaughter
SIXTY-FOUR-YEAR-OLD Thakumarie (only name stated) was arraigned at the Berbice Assizes, on Tuesday, indicted for the unlawful killing of her husband, Yodha (one name given). Before Justice James Bovell-Drakes, the unrepresented accused pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter indictment, particulars of which said, on April 27, 2008, she unlawfully killed the sixty-five- year-old man at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice.
Prior to entering her plea, the prisoner indicated that she suffers from a hearing impediment and cannot hear properly.
Consequently, she was allowed to stand in the well of the Court, from where she denied the allegation by the shaking of her head.
The judge then explained the options in jury selection and indicated to her son-in-law, Seenarine Seecharran that she needs to retain legal counsel.
“If not, someone will have to read the depositions to her, so that she can ask questions,” Justice Bovell-Drakes advised.
Meanwhile, the jurors sworn for the trial were asked to return to Court on May 29, for the resumption.