A man charged for the murder of an elderly man in 2016, has been sentenced to six years in prison.
Sentenced in relation to the killing of Cebert Lawes, is 21-year-old, Jonah Robinson.
The six-year sentence was handed down in the St Ann Circuit Court by high court judge Justice Dale Palmer on Thursday, November 2.
Robinson was charged after hacking and stabbing Lawes to death outside Island Hoppers, near to the Reynolds Pier, in Ocho Rios, St Ann, on March 5, 2016.
When Robinson appeared before the court two weeks ago, on Tuesday, October 24, he pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by virtue of diminish responsibility.
At Robinson’s sentencing on Thursday, two doctors who have worked with him following the incident appeared to say that Robinson indeed suffers from schizophrenia.
Both doctors also noted that if given, his medication on time in prescribed doses, Robinson would be able to function normally.
Robinson appeared remorseful and had written a letter to Justice Palmer seeking sympathy.
The letter reads in part “I won’t disappoint you”. In the letter Robinson points out that he would be earnest and will be a role model for other youngsters if he is given the chance to liberty.
Attorney who represented Robinson, Robert Brown also acknowledged that if given the chance to be in society again, the management of Robinson’s last place of employment has indicated that they would be willing to reoffer him a job.
The social enquiry report for Robinson was positive, as apart from his mental illness, persons in his community describe him as a person of “quiet” backgrounds.
Likewise, the antecedent report proved that Robinson, since leaving high school, had been gainfully employed up until the time of the incident.
Allegations in the case are that the crown’s key witness was at his workplace near the pier and heard strange noises outside.
He went outside and saw Robinson using both hands to hit Lawes in his head with a stone several times.
The witness then summoned the police, Robinson proceeded to stab Lawes in his belly with a stick.
Lawes, who was a homeless man, died as a result of injuries he sustained.
