Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh has imposed a 20-year prison sentence on Seyon Kemo James for his involvement in the 2021 killing of taxi driver Kenrick Trim.
James, 29, a carpenter also known as “Lil Alfey,” of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh after pleading guilty to the capital offence.
Although he maintained that he did not deliver the fatal blows, James accepted responsibility for being present and participating in the events that led to Trim’s death.
After balancing all factors, Justice Singh settled on a final sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, with time already spent in custody to be deducted.
Trim, 53, of Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, was the sole provider for his household.
Evidence showed that his death forced one child to discontinue schooling, while a granddaughter had to move from private to public education.
His widow later turned to selling food from home to support the family.
Trim’s body was discovered in Ogle, East Coast Demerara, on June 31, 2021, after he was choked, stabbed repeatedly and robbed.
Investigators determined that James and his co-accused, Kenty Bacchus, also known as “Trini,” had boarded Trim’s taxi in Georgetown, after which Bacchus launched the fatal attack.
Bacchus, 38, was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with the court citing the brutality of the killing, his prior convictions for narcotics trafficking, and the devastating impact on the victim’s family.
Bacchus, like James, will receive credit for the period he spent in pre-trial custody.
The prosecution was conducted by attorneys-at-law Geneva Wills, Christopher Belfield and Simran Gajraj.
Bacchus was represented by Attorney-at-Law Audreanna Stephens, while James was represented by Attorney-at-Law Glendon Greenidge.
