BERBICE High Court Judge, Navindra Singh, on Monday, sentenced Jerry Heralall to 20 years in prison for fatally beating his drinking buddy in 2020.

Heralall, 30, of New Amsterdam, Berbice, was initially indicted for murder but he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

He admitted that, between January 25-27, 2020, at Republic Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice, he unlawfully killed Celon Outar, 28.

Justice Singh, while delivering his sentencing remarks, said that Heralall lacked genuine remorse for his actions. He sentenced Heralall to 20 years in prison, with time spent in pre-trial custody to be deducted.

According to reports, on January 25, 2020, while the two men were consuming alcohol at a shop, Heralall requested that Outar’s wife drink with him. However, Outar objected.

This resulted in a misunderstanding and a heated argument ensued. Heralall armed himself with a piece of wood and lashed Outar several times before pushing him into a nearby trench.

Outar’s body, which was partially submerged, was discovered two days later in the vicinity of the Region Six Regional Democratic Council’s complex.

According to a post-mortem report, Outar died from asphyxiation compounded with a fractured skull and multiple trauma to his body.