Robert Mangal murder trial
Witness says saw accused hit victim three times with 2 x 4
Prosecution main witness Karan Chattergoon, said he saw when Deosarran Bisnauth hit Robert Mangal three times with a piece of wood almost four feet long, causing him to fall face down on the ground.
Chattergoon was at the time testifying at the trial of Bisnauth called “Strokes Mouth” who is accused of murdering Mangal.
The charge against the young man is that, on July 6, 2013, at Enmore, East Coast Demerara, he murdered Mangal, also known as “Trevor.” He has pleaded not guilty. Chattergoon, who described Mangal as his “drinking buddy,” said that on the day in question, they went to their usual drinking spot to imbibe when an argument ensued between Mangal and accused.
The witness said he doesn’t know what the men were arguing about, as he, by that time, was already in the rum shop purchasing liquor and cigarettes.
According to Chattergoon, some moments later, after making his purchase, he went out of the shop where he saw the accused with a piece of wood in his hand with which he dealt Mangal three lashes in his back.
Chatergoon described the wood as being a “2 x 4.” He said that it was about four feet long.
According to a caution statement which was admitted into evidence, Bisnauth told the police that Mangal ran after him with a bottle, and he, in turn, hit him in self defence.
The accused has, however, denied making the statement to police.
The case continues this morning before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member mixed jury at the High Court in Georgetown.
Representing the accused, is Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos. The state’s case meanwhile, is being presented by Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy, in association with Siand Dhurjon. An Alberttown resident was yesterday sentenced to two years in jail after he was found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Magistrate Dylon Bess handed down the sentence to an absent Anthony Bharat, after the conclusion of the trial, which was held in the defendant’s absence since he had been previously granted bail.
The charge against Bharat stated that on March 18, 2016, at Georgetown, he had in his possession a .45 pistol, and six live matching rounds without being the holder of a valid firearm licence.
Bharat, 44, was sentenced to two years for the firearm, and two years for the ammunition, however, he will only serve two years, as the charges will run concurrently.
The matter was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris.
According to the facts previously presented, on the day of the discovery, police went to a fish shop on Hadfield Street where they conducted a search, and found the firearm and ammunition on the defendant. Bharat allegedly told the police that he uses the gun to protect his family and his business.