CORT Batson, 24, who was found guilty of attempted murder, robbery under arms and discharging a loaded firearm with intent to harm, was sentenced to 43 years imprisonment by Justice Simone Ramlall at the Berbice Assizes on Wednesday.

State Prosecutrix, Seeta Bishundial, had earlier led the evidence of several witnesses, including attempted murder victim, Wilfred Manns; robbery victims, Banesha Shirkissoon, and Samuel Fernandez. The collective evidence convinced the 12-member jury, resulting in a unanimous guilty verdict.

Last month, Batson faced another trial where he pleaded not guilty to three counts of robbery under arms and attempted murder. But the trial was aborted after a juror was involved in an accident and another had a challenge remaining on the panel.
Consequently, the defence and the State agreed it would be difficult to proceed with 10 jurors.

Batson is also accused of robberies committed on two Rose Hall Town money-changers.