Lolly Jackson murder suspect in plea bargain

WITH his murder trial two days away, Lolly Jackson’s alleged killer George Louca is trying to strike a deal that could see him receiving a light sentence on another charge.

When Louca was extradited last year from Cyprus for the murder of the strip-tease magnate, another charge of possession of stolen property was used to strengthen the extradition case.

In 2006, Louca was found holding brand name footwear worth R1.5 million. While this case was still ongoing in 2010, Louca’s alleged links to Jackson’s murder saw him flee the country, meaning the trial could never go ahead.

Yesterday, Louca’s possession proceedings were meant to go ahead, but the Kempton Park mag- istrate’s court heard that he and his legal team were still busy with a plea agreement deal with the State.

According to Louca’s lawyer, Owen Blumberg, representations had been sent to the director of public prosecutions, and sentencing agreements were still being discussed. While this could result in a possible guilty plea from the Cypriot, it is clear he is aiming for a lighter sentence for the crime.

According to the lawyer, Louca has been incarcerated for three years, first in Cyprus and now for almost a year in South Africa, which could reduce the time he may spend in prison for the crime.

However, Blumberg said there was no guarantee the section 105 plea bargain would be cemented. It’s understood that even if the State comes to an agreement on Louca’s sentencing, the presiding magistrate could reject the agreement if he sees fit.

“This means we could be forced into a trial,” said Blumberg, adding that he was confident of his client’s defence argument. The case was postponed to March 6.

Meanwhile, Louca may finally reveal who he claims was responsible for Jackson’s death when his murder trial begins on Monday.

After speaking to Weekend Argus sister title The Star in 2012, he claimed that he was “no killer”, and he knew the real identity of the triggerman.

STRIKING A DEAL: George Louca