ON Monday September 2, 2019, a 46-year-old man who has been evading police custody for twenty one years was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that, on September 5, 1998, Philbert (Gilbert) Thomas, at Kabucalli-Waini (Region 1) murdered his wife, 23-year-old Viola Thomas.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to him.
The late Viola Thomas was at a fun day in Kabucalli-Waini when she was stabbed several times about the body by the accused, who later fled the scene of the crime.
In 1998, the matter was investigated and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), at that time, had recommended that the suspect be charged with murder.
The matter was heard at the Acquero Magistrate’s Court, Region 1, where several witnesses testified against Thomas and he was charged in absentia. Approximately eight years later, the matter was recalled at the same court and was adjourned with no appointed date for resumption.

However, the accused was recently arrested and remanded to prison for allegedly stabbing his ex-lover to her breast, along with her male companion, at Hururu Mission, Upper Berbice River.

It was this charge which lead Alina Thomas, the mother of the deceased to recognize her ex-son-in-law in a daily newspaper. She then contacted the Acquero Police Station and made a report.
A court order was filed. Philbert Thomas was identified by Alina Thomas. He later admitted to the crime.

The accused was remanded to prison and is scheduled to return to court on September 9, 2019 before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.