Judge slams delay in sentencing report for murder case

Sentencing in a murder case has been postponed after a judge criticised delays in the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Justice Carlisle Greaves described the delay in receiving the report for Javone Haynes as “unacceptable” as the case came before the No. 3 Supreme Court.

“The court is disturbed by the delay in the matter, considering that the presentence report was ordered since March 31. The delay is unacceptable as things such as these cause considerable stress to these courts as it adds to the backlog,” the judicial officer said.

The pre-sentence report outlines the offender’s background, criminal history, attitude towards the offence and potential risk of reoffending amongst other factors. Justice Greaves ordered that the document be ready by July 3, the new date set for sentencing.

Haynes, 26, of Syndicate Road, Bush Hall, pleaded guilty to the murder of Kadeem Brathwaite, 28, of Butler’s Avenue, Spooner’s Hill, who was killed on June 7, 2020.

Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Krystal Delaney represents the State, while defence counsel Sade Harris appears for Haynes.

(JB)