A 12-MEMBER jury on Monday afternoon, after hours of deliberations in the High Court, returned with a not guilty of murder verdict for Antonio Jaisingh and as such, he walked out the courtroom a free man.He was however, admonished by Justice Navindra Singh to mend his ways and make a contribution to society by meaningful employment.

According to the indictment, on November 26-27, 2010 Antonio Jaisingh murdered Randy Joseph at a bar at Sara Johanna, East Bank Demerara during a brawl.

Nine witnesses were called to testify, including the state’s only eyewitness Damon Ramgulan, who is being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after he recanted his story during his testimony.

Ramgulan admitted to the court that he was lying and is being probed by CID for perjury.

According to the state’s case, on the night in question at about 8pm Jaisingh said he went to the bar to drink and play pools during which time the deceased was there.

An argument erupted when Randy Joseph pulled Jaisingh to his side. Words were exchanged after which a fight ensued and the accused pulled a knife from the table. It was while, pushing away the deceased he was stabbed, after which Jaisingh in a confession statement to the police said he threw away the knife and ran off.

The case was heard by Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury at the Demerara Criminal Assizes, which started on January 23.

The court heard how an argument at an East Bank bar one night in November, 2010 ended up with Randy Joseph being stabbed to death.

The accused, who has pleaded not guilty, is being represented by Latchmee Rahamat.

The state was represented by Siand Dhurjon and Tuanna Hardy.