Sophia man on trial for murdering father

Several witnesses took the stand yesterday as the trial of Kumey Bourne, who is accused of murdering his elderly father, commenced before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Georgetown.

The indictment states that between May 18th and May 23rd, 2016, at Sophia, Bourne, also called Kwame, murdered his father, Rickford Bourne.

Bourne is being represented by attorney Maxwell McKay, while the state’s case is being presented by prosecutors Tuanna Hardy, Tariq Mohamed and Abigail Gibbs.

What is expected to be a short trial began with the testimony of Aisha Bourne, the sister of the accused, who told the court that she was notified of an incident at her father’s house by a neighbour, resulting in her visiting his home.

It was there, she said, that she found her father, who had visible injuries on his right arm and head, sitting on his bed, while the accused was sitting in the living room watching television.

Having seen the injuries, the young woman said she then borrowed money from a shopkeeper to take her father to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted. He died a few days later.

Also testifying was Lance Corporal Jason Beresford, who arrested the accused and discovered an iron bar in the house that was allegedly used by him to inflict injuries on the deceased.

The bar and 10 photos of the crime scene were admitted into evidence.

The trial is expected to continue today with the testimony of the final witness, pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh.