FOUR years after 30-year-old Itesha Frank was brutally slain and dumped in a trench at Crane Street, Queenstown, Corriverton, Berbice, her lover was, on Wednesday, sentenced to 20 years for the crime.

Durn Hunt called “Rasta”, 38, of Crane Street, Queenstown was sentenced by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Berbice High Court for the capital offence of murder which occurred on October 15, 2018. He had pleaded guilty to the capital offence.

During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, a probation officer presented disturbing details about Hunt’s mental state, revealing a history of threatening behaviour towards individuals in his community.

It was further disclosed that Hunt was a regular user of illicit drugs, including marijuana. Villagers referred to him as “Beast” and “heartless,” stressing their belief that he should remain incarcerated to ensure the safety of the community.

In a plea for leniency, Hunt’s attorney, Surihya Sabsook, appealed to the court to consider her client’s plea and his purported remorse for his actions.

Hunt himself addressed the court, expressing his remorse and claiming to have sought treatment for his mental health issues while also ceasing his use of drugs.

“I’m very sorry. I’m taking my treatment and I stop smoke weed,” Hunt said during his address to the court.

State prosecutor, Muntaz Ali, in his address to the court, said that offences such as men killing women have become a trend in society and need to be stopped. He also asked the Judge to send a strong message to like-minded individuals that such acts cannot be tolerated.

In her sentencing remarks, Justice Morris-Ramlall noted that violence by intimate partners cannot be condoned, and such crimes are a plague in society.

“His conduct towards her was cruel and callous. He evidently did not value her life as he snuffed it…,” the Judge said.