THE Court of Appeal on Wednesday ordered a retrial in favour of Vishwanie Ragnauth, who is currently serving a 40-year sentence for the 2014 murder of her uncle, Sunil Ramsundar.

In 2018, Ragnauth and her reputed husband, Nyron Thakurdyal, were found guilty by a jury of murdering Ramsundar on Boxing Day 2014 at Skull City, Patentia, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The couple was each sentenced to 40 years in prison by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court.

In their application for appeal, which was filed by Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, the duo contended that the trial judge erred in law when he imposed on them such an unduly severe sentence.

They had also argued that the trial judge admitted evidence that was prejudicial to a fair trial.

However, Thakurdyal died in prison while the appeal was being heard.

The appeal case was heard via Zoom by Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

The Chancellor, while delivering the ruling, agreed with the appellant’s contention. She stated that their conviction and sentence will be set aside, based on the evidence presented in the case.

Additionally, the matter has been sent back to the High Court for retrial at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes. Ragnauth will remain on remand.