NICHOLAS Shawn Williams, also known as “Dhall Back,” was on Wednesday sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for manslaughter in the death of his reputed wife, 28-year-old Clarabel Johnson, after initially facing a charge of capital murder.

The custodial punishment was handed down by Justice Jo Ann Barlow of the Demerara High Court.

The sentence originally started at 18 years, but three years were deducted for mitigating factors, lowering it to 15 years. An additional reduction of one-third (five years) was made for his early guilty plea, bringing the sentence to 10 years.

Furthermore, his time spent in custody since around October 9, 2020, will be subtracted from the 10-year sentence.

The guilty plea to the lesser charge was accepted earlier this month. However, the judge deferred his sentencing to allow time for the preparation of probation and prison conduct reports, as well as victim impact statements.

The judge also considered a statement of aggravating factors presented by the prosecution, as well as a statement of mitigating factors from the defence.

Williams, 49, was represented by attorney Kiswana Jefford, while the prosecution team included state attorneys-at-law Praneta Seeraj, Mikel Puran, and Rbina Christmas.

The tragic incident occurred on October 6, 2020, in Albouystown, Georgetown, where Williams allegedly confronted Johnson near her home on Cooper Street.

According to police reports, Williams attacked Johnson, delivering a powerful chop to the back of her right knee, severing a major artery and causing severe blood loss.

Bystanders quickly rushed Johnson to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but she died from her injuries during treatment. After fleeing the scene, Williams was later apprehended on James Street, Albouystown.
Johnson, a mother of three, had been separated from Williams, due to allegations of abuse. After their separation, she had been living with her parents, while Williams operated a bicycle repair shop in the same community.