An Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara man was on Wednesday sentenced to 15 years in prison for the murder of 78-year-old businessman Tony Bishnauth, called “England Bank,” during a robbery on March 13, 2020.
The convicted man, 25-year-old Sheldon Smith, also received two additional five-year sentences for robbery under arms and wounding one of the victims during the incident.
Smith, who is no stranger to the courts, pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him at the Berbice Assizes. On the night in question, Bishnauth was celebrating his birthday with friends at a snackette at Stelling Road, Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice, when three armed men stormed the gathering around 11:15 p.m.
According to the facts presented, Smith was armed with a cutlass, while his accomplices carried firearms. The group, wearing face masks, demanded valuables from the celebrants. Bishnauth resisted by throwing an empty plastic bottle at one of the intruders, prompting one of the gunmen to shoot him in the head, killing him on the spot.
Two other individuals were injured in the attack: Bobby Brijlall sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, and Mahendra Nagamootoo, 23, was shot three times while attempting to flee.
During sentencing, Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul noted that Smith knowingly participated in the robbery, which resulted in Bishnauth’s death. She highlighted the devastating impact on the victim’s family, especially since Bishnauth was described as the breadwinner.
The Judge also acknowledged Smith’s previous criminal record, stating, “It is not okay to rob people of their belongings and cause them to lose their lives in the process.”
Although Smith’s attorney, Suriya Sabsook, argued for leniency, citing his remorse and lack of direct involvement in the shooting, the Judge underscored the planned nature of the crime and the use of deadly weapons.
The court considered Smith’s expressions of remorse and his participation in rehabilitation programs, including anger management and information technology courses. Smith had also enrolled in the GOAL Scholarship Programme while on remand.
Justice Ally-Seepaul stated, “The accused is a prime candidate for rehabilitation, having served five years as a remanded prisoner.” She handed down a 15-year sentence for the murder, with an additional five years each for robbery under arms and wounding, to run concurrently.
The police had issued wanted bulletins for Medellin Orlanda Evans and Carlos Evans in connection with the murder. Carlos Evans was arrested in Suriname in August last year and is currently before the court.
Smith, in his address to the court, apologized for his actions and stated, “I take full responsibility for my past and my future… my life has changed.” He also noted that he had learned to choose his company more wisely.
