BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — A person convicted of killing the cousin of National Hero and worldwide pop star Rihanna has been sentenced to almost 4 many years in jail, with the High Court stressing the necessity for robust penalties to fight gun violence.
Shawayne Deshawn Williams was sentenced to 38 years and 138 days in jail. (Photo credit score: Barbados Today)Shawayne Deshawn Williams was sentenced to 38 years and 138 days in jail on Friday, after being discovered responsible by a jury earlier this yr of killing Tavon Alleyne. The 21-year-old was shot close to his dwelling on Boxing Day 2017. Williams has maintained his innocence.
In delivering the sentence, Justice Laurie-Anne Smith-Bovell mentioned the courts should play a central position in defending the general public and deterring the use of unlawful firearms.
“Public concern about illegal firearms and violence and the need for general deterrence must be reflected in the sentences passed by the courts,” the choose mentioned, citing Director of Public Prosecutions Reference No. of 2003. “The public are entitled to expect the courts to play their part in fighting the proliferation of firearms and violence.”
The courtroom heard that Alleyne was shot a number of instances simply as he received out of a taxi round 7 p.m. on December 26, 2017. An eyewitness recognized Williams as the person seen working from the scene, whereas one other witness positioned him within the space shortly earlier than and after the taking pictures.
Justice Smith-Bovell outlined a number of aggravating components, together with proof of premeditation, the use of an unrecovered firearm, and the truth that the sufferer was unarmed and ambushed in a public house. The courtroom additionally discovered the killing was an act of revenge linked to a previous taking pictures involving the convicted man.
The choose set a beginning sentence of 39 years, including time for Williams’ legal historical past, threat of reoffending and different components, earlier than deducting credit score for time spent on remand and delays within the proceedings.
Williams was additionally ordered to take part in rehabilitation programmes, together with educational, vocational and psychological help, throughout his incarceration at Dodds Prison.
Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale S.C. had submitted that, contemplating the irritating components of the case, Williams ought to spend between 43 and 45 years behind bars for his crime.
