CONVICTED robber Akeem Edwards was on Monday sentenced to 47 years imprisonment for killing fellow inmate Teon Smith during an altercation at the Mazaruni Prison in 2014.

The sentence was imposed by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court in Essequibo, who ordered that Edwards serve a minimum of 30 years before he is eligible for parole.

In December 2021, a 12-member jury found Edwards guilty of the crime which stated that on September 14, 2014, he murdered Smith.

At the time of the murder, Smith was serving a five-year prison sentence for robbery under arms, while Edwards was serving 10 years for several offences of a similar nature.

It is alleged that on September 14, 2014, the men were involved in an altercation at the Mazaruni Prison. Edwards reportedly armed himself with a sharp object and fatally stabbed Smith.

According to a probation report which was read in court on Monday, Edwards is known for being involved in criminal activities which resulted in him being jailed for 10 years for a series of armed robbery offences at just 18 years old. However, four years before his release, he murdered Smith.

State Counsel Tiffini Lyken asked the court to send a strong message, since Edwards is known for being disrespectful to his peers and prison staff while behind bars.

He was allegedly also involved in criminal activities while behind bars.

In her sentencing, the judge said that she considered that the convict showed no regard for the law or authority.

She also highlighted that Edwards also showed no remorse for his action which resulted in the loss of a life.

Based on the aforementioned consideration, the judge said that based on Edwards’ previous convictions and his actions, there is a likelihood of him re-offending.

As such, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry sentenced Edwards to 47 years and ordered prison authorities to deduct the time spent on remand.