City duo to spend more time in jail for manslaughter

Two City men have been given starting sentences of 18 years for killing a route taxi driver six years ago.

Keenon Tristan Jason Chase of King William Street, and Michael Shane Olijuan James of Ashby Alley, Nelson Street, had admitted previously to unlawfully killing Dwayne Andre Forde, formerly of Ruby Park, St Philip, on May 6, 2018.

When they reappeared before Justice Randall Worrell in the No. 2 Supreme Court on Monday, the judge said jail was warranted due to the seriousness of the offence.

He listed several aggravating factors, including that the killing was committed in a public place as they attempted to steal a firearm from its owner.

“I don’t think there was an intention to kill . . . and that is why the State accepted the lesser plea of manslaughter,” said the judge. “I am still of the mind that the starting point in this case is 18 years.”

Deducting one-third for their early guilty pleas, Justice Worrell reduced James’ time by two years and Chase’s by three, noting their age and expression of remorse.

Delays in the case coming to trial were also factored in.

“This was a 2018 matter, so six years have passed,” Justice Worrell said. “Systemic delay would be two years and the court has deemed that there should be some aspect of delay credited to you . . . It is normally 90 days per year. This court is of the opinion that for the four years, it will be 360 days credited to you.”

The duo’s time on remand awaiting trial – James’s 2 192 days and Chase’s 2 212 days – was also deducted.

Taking into account the $10 000 Chase was paying as compensation to the deceased’s family, another 365 days was subtracted from his sentence. He was left with 713 more days to spend in prison, while James will remain behind bars for another 1 342 days.