Accused cops to manslaughter in fatal Friendship stabbing

Sherwin Hyle, charged with fatally stabbing Joel Savory with a bottle at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, in 2008, is expected to be sentenced on June 30th following the presentation of a probation report on him.

Nearly a year after government psychiatrist Dr Bhiro Harry testified that the accused was suffering from schizophrenia/paranoia and therefore unfit to plead to the indictment, Hyle pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter on Thursday in the High Court.

Justice Dawn Gregory subsequently ordered that a probation report to be prepared before the sentencing. The report will be read on June 30.

In March, 2013, a jury decided that Hyle was fit to plea even though Dr. Harry, in a report read to Justice Gregory and the jury, said he suffering from psychological issues. Harry said Hyle had a psychotic illness that is accompanied by hallucinations. He added he was of unsound mind and was not fit to plead.

It is alleged that on May 1, 2008, at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, Hyle murdered Savory.

Savory, a father of three, was fatally stabbed a short distance from his home by Hyle.

Police had stated that Savory was walking along the street when he was confronted by Hyle and during an exchange of words he was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle. Savory was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he died while receiving medical attention.