BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - KASIM BUCHANAN, 29, would be joining his brother at Her Majesty's Prison, having been handed a 12-year sentence for being convicted of wounding with intent and unlawful wounding.
Buchanan appeared before his Lordship Justice Errol Thomas yesterday (Nov. 1) at the Basseterre High Court for sentencing following his conviction on October, 3, 2012.
He was charged with the November 14, 2009 beating of Leroy Viera of Mount Idle, Sandy Point sometime after 5:00 p.m. on Station Street of that town.
Buchanan, when asked if there was anything he would like to say before being sentenced, stood and told His Lordship to deduct the time that he had spent on remand from whatever sentence would be imposed on him.
Buchanan's Social Inquiry Report described him as a private individual who does not appear to be disrespectful and should not have been involved in criminal activities.
It also advised him to adhere to a positive future.
Before passing judgment, Justice Thomas told Buchanan that his actions indicated a clear intention to cause grievous bodily harm to the virtual complainant.
His Lordship made reference to Dr. Cameron Wilkinson's testimony at the trial, which stated that the victim’s injuries were serious but not life-threatening. He also referred to the virtual complainant’s testimony in which he said that he suffered headaches for one month after the incident.
"Mr. Buchanan, you are a danger to society and the court has to do what it has to deter others," Justice Thomas said.
He continued: "It is one thing to beat a man with a next but it is quite another to kick a man in his face repeatedly."
Buchanan was then sentenced to serve 12 years in prison.
Originally, brothers Kassim and Chaddin Buchanan were jointly charged with the wounding with intent and unlawful wounding of Viera and they both pleaded not guilty, but moments before the first trial began on January 24, 2012, Chaddin pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.
