Patsan salesman murder PI…

One accused freed, one to stand trial for murder

CITY Magistrate Judy Latchman yesterday freed murder accused Kevin France while committing his co-accused, Randolph Marques, to stand trial at the High Court for the murder of Patsan salesman Bharrat Ramcharran, committed in the course of a robbery on April 24, 2014 in Campbellville, Georgetown.

The prosecution’s evidence had not been able to link the 26-year-old France, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, to the crime. Moreover, the unrepresented Randolph Marques testified on France’s behalf, and his attorney, Mr James Bond, made stirring submissions on his behalf.

The 20-year-old Randolph Marques was not so lucky. The magistrate informed him that a prima facie case had been made out against him at conclusion of the preliminary inquiry (PI). She said she had taken into consideration the prosecution’s case led by Inspector Vishnu Hunt and the evidence was enough to establish a case against him.

The teary-eyed accused tried to remain strong when the magistrate asked him if he wanted to address the court or call any witness in his defence. Wiping his eyes with his head held high, Marques replied in the negative.

Prosecutor Hunt requested that the three witnesses be reserved and called again to give their testimonies when the matter is being tried at the High Court.

The request was granted, but Marques inquired: “How can you reserve something that you don’t have?” Magistrate Latchman was happy to enlighten the young man on something called ‘fresh evidence’.

Police had reported that Ramcharran was about to enter the business place of his employer Patsan’s when he was attacked by two men, one of whom was armed with a firearm.
The armed man shot Ramjattan to his back, and the perpetrators carted off a bag with an undisclosed sum of cash as they escaped on a motor cycle.

The injured man was immediately rushed to the Woodlands Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Ramcharran had been employed at Patsan’s for 19 years. This newspaper understands that he would usually spend all day collecting payments before heading back to the office in the afternoon. He used to conduct business on his own.