LLOYD Daniels, a 45-year-old miner of Itaballi, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), has been sentenced to five years in prison for the killing of fellow miner Jimmy Ashby.
The sentence was handed down by Justice Navindra Singh at the Essequibo High Court after Daniels had pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.
Daniels was initially indicted for murder but opted to plead guilty to the lesser charge.

Justice Singh imposed the five-year sentence, which will be reduced by the time Daniels has already spent in pre-trial custody.
In delivering the sentence, Justice Singh underscored that violence has no place in a civilised society and should never be used to resolve conflicts.

He further stressed the importance of responsible alcohol consumption, urging individuals to either drink in moderation or refrain drinking altogether.
The incident occurred between January 2 and 3, 2024, at Falls Top, Arimu Backdam, in Region Seven. Ashby, 58, of Barima River, North West District, died as a result of a stab wound to the chest. An autopsy confirmed that he died from shock and haemorrhage caused by the wound.

According to the facts presented by State Prosecutor Caressa Henry, Daniels and Ashby had been drinking El Dorado five-year-old rum at a shop known as Foxy on January 2, 2024.
An argument erupted between the two men between 11:00 and 12:00hrs, during which Daniels allegedly told Ashby, “I am going to kill you.”

Later that day, around 13:00hrs, shop owner David Henry, also known as “Foxy,” found Ashby sitting on a step outside his shop with what appeared to be blood on his jersey.
When asked what had happened, Ashby reportedly replied, “Lloyd juk me.”
Daniels was seen walking away from the area shortly after.

Ashby asked for water before getting up and leaving the location. He was next seen the following morning at a nearby shop called Tennessee, where he was found unresponsive and motionless.
A report was made to the Bartica Police Station, and his body was transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Daniels turned himself in at the police station on January 8, 2024.

During initial questioning, he denied harming anyone but later admitted under caution: “Officer, I did stab he but it wasn’t deep. It was a skin cut.”
Daniels was represented in court by defence attorney Tonza Sarabo.