Man sentenced to nine years and seven months' imprisonment for killing girlfriend

A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in relation to the killing of his girlfriend was sentenced to nine years and seven months' imprisonment on Friday.

However, having already served three years and seven months in custody, March Pen Road resident Damion Brown will remain behind bars for another six years.

He pleaded guilty in the St Catherine Circuit Court to killing Shauna Powell of March Pen Road, St Catherine, after their relationship went sour.

Attorney Fabian Campbell pleaded for leniency for Brown, noting that "his community reports show that he is quiet and works very hard, plus he didn't waste the court's time".

Justice Yvonne Brown, in handing down sentence, told Brown that a message has to be sent for the life of the deceased.

She said Brown could have ended the relationship and moved on, but instead his jealous rage resulted in Powell's death.

"There are too many domestic situations, which result in death. The life that you snuffed out cannot be replaced," Justice Brown said.

However, she said he would benefit from a sentencing discount having entered a guilty plea for the lesser charge of manslaughter.

The facts of the case are that on October 14, 2020, Brown and Powell had an argument after a vehicle was observed at her gate.

The argument got heated and both parties attacked each other inside her kitchen, during which Powell was chopped on the neck with a machete by Brown.

Brown fled the community but was later held by the police.

He was charged with murder after he gave a caution statement.

- Rasbert Turner

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