Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh on Monday sentenced Brian Mathieson to five years in prison for the manslaughter of his neighbour, Ronald Betancourt, following a violent altercation in 2019.
The time Mathieson spent in remand custody was ordered to be deducted from the sentence.
In delivering the sentence at the Demerara High Court, Acting Chief Justice Singh explained that the court started with a standard starting point of 18 years’ imprisonment for manslaughter of the nature before it. One-third—six years—was removed to reflect Mathieson’s guilty plea, a further three years was subtracted for his expressions of remorse, and an additional four years was taken off due to factors relating to the conduct of the deceased during the incident.
After deducting the period already served on remand, the court arrived at the final custodial term of five years.
The sentencing concluded a case that has stretched over several years since the incident on September 27, 2019, at Princes Street, Wortmanville. On that day, Mathieson reportedly entered Betancourt’s yard armed with a knife and stabbed him multiple times. Betancourt was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
In determining the final punishment, the court said it took into account both the severity of the offence and mitigating factors presented by the defence. The Judge also noted Mathieson’s willingness to accept responsibility and the prospect of rehabilitation, while balancing those considerations against the seriousness of the act, the use of a deadly weapon, and the impact on the victim’s family.
Prosecutor Christopher Belfield told the court the attack was premeditated and resulted in a violent death. Belfield said Mathieson and Betancourt were neighbours and that the confrontation escalated when Mathieson entered Betancourt’s yard carrying a knife.
He told the court that Mathieson inflicted multiple stab wounds on the deceased, who was hospitalised and later died.
The State also pointed to aggravating factors, including the ferocity of the attack and reports that Mathieson had a history of aggressive behaviour, urging the court to impose a sentence that reflected the seriousness of the offence and its consequences for the community.
Mathieson’s defence argued the incident arose from a personal confrontation rather than an intent to kill. The defence highlighted Mathieson’s troubled background, mental health challenges, and efforts at rehabilitation since his arrest, and urged the court to give weight to those issues in mitigation.
During sentencing, Mathieson addressed the court and Betancourt’s family, expressing remorse. “If this were to happen again, I would walk away and not try to defend myself. I didn’t mean to kill him,” he said.
The court said his apology was considered in reducing the sentence. It was also noted that the court had ordered a psychiatric evaluation after concerns were raised about Mathieson’s mental health and behaviour, and that the evaluation informed the sentencing process.
Acting Chief Justice Singh said the sentence reflected accountability and public interest while also considering the possibility of rehabilitation. Mathieson was told he will have to serve the remainder of his term.
