By his own admission, he performed a “horrible” act by stabbing former police constable Shayne Welch 19 times and killing him in a fit of jealous rage.
And for his actions, 30-year-old Applon Ishmael Ithamar Parris of Taitt’s Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael, will spend the next 16 years in prison.
Parris had previously pleaded guilty to non-capital murder in connection with the March 26, 2018 stabbing death of Welch.
When he reappeared before Justice Randall Worrell for sentencing today in the No. 2 Supreme Court, the convicted man was given a starting sentence of 33 years.
However, after deductions were made Parris will have to serve just 6066 days at HMP Dodds.
The court had heard that Parris found his wife naked in the officer’s bed at his residence in Kingsland, Christ Church.
Infuriated, Parris left the scene and returned, kicked down the door and confronted Welch and his wife before stabbing the man about his body.
Justice Worrell told Parris his actions required a lengthy term of imprisonment.
“When one looks at the offence itself it is aggravated by the fact that a knife was used, it is aggravated by the fact that in your own words it was a horrendous act. You went into a person’s home and you did not go into that home once…The amount of injuries involved even though it was not a firearm is something the court has to take into consideration. The nature and the extent of the injuries, front and back, that is something the court also has to take into consideration.
“…What is striking to the court is that this was a horrendous act and I really cannot find any mitigating features of any significance in relation to the act, the offence itself,” Justice Worrell pointed out.
He said while the Crown, represented by Director of Public Prosecutions Donna Babb-Agard, had asked for a maximum starting sentence of 35 years, the court had deemed 33 years to be an adequate starting point.
Justice Worrell admitted, however, that there were no guidelines for non-capital murder.
He told Parris he was neither a “run-of-the-mill person who would come to the court” nor a “fool” but had allowed his emotions to get the better of him.
Justice Worrell deducted three years for Parris’ clean record and the fact he had shown remorse, along with the fact he had been identified as a prime candidate for rehabilitation while in prison, bringing the sentence down to 30 years.
He was then credited with a one-third discount for his early guilty plea, further reducing it to 20 years.
Parris’ 1234 days spent on remand were also deducted leaving him with the remaining 6066 days to serve.
Additionally, Justice Worrell ordered the convicted man to undergo rehabilitation and psychological counselling and to enrol in any courses of his choice.
He said a report was to be filed with the court every two years to give an update on his progress.
“Mr Parris one would hope that should you find yourself in a similar situation that you do not come back before the court. You have to realize that you do not own anyone whether somebody is your wife or you are in a relationship with them.
“If things go sour, you go north that person goes south. You had a lot ahead of you and that fateful night you have thrown it all away. We can only wish you the best Mr Parris but we also have to remember that the family of Shayne Welch lost someone for good,” Justice Worrell said.
