TWENTY-FOUR-year-old Ashaka John of Sophia, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the charge which stated that, on October 12, 2019, at Church Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, he murdered Jason Bowen.

Attorney-at-Law George Thomas represented John in the matter. Thomas told the court that his client had a mental problem and had been seeing a doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Thomas said that, while his client was in custody, he was taken to the hospital based on advice by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and had to return on October 25.
According to information, John chased after Bowen and the latter ran in front of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Church Street. When John caught Bowen he dealt him several lashes about his body. John then strangled Bowen with a belt belonging to him (Bowen).

John then attempted to escape, but he was apprehended by public-spirited citizens and handed over to the police, and was later charged.

The Magistrate, after listening to the information provided, remanded John to prison and adjourned the matter until November 7, 2019.