Judge sentences Squeaky to 20 years

By Terresa McCall
Reporrter-SKNVibes.com

Shervin ‘Squeaky’ George

Almost six weeks ago, George was convicted of “accessory to murder after the fact” in a case in which Michelle Weeks-Benjamin was murdered and her body stashed in the incomplete septic tank of a Rosemary Lane building that was under construction. 

George, who seemed to have a permanent smile affixed to his face, appeared before the Basseterre High Court of Justice today (Dec. 3) for his sentencing hearing which was presided over by Justice Belle.

In presenting his plea in mitigation, George’s defence counsel, Hesketh Benjamin told the court that after perusal of George’s Social Inquiry Report, he found that the convicted man was exposed and subjected to a number of social ills which may have pushed him into a life of crime.  These, he explained, include the fact that he was, at a tender age, turned over to the Harris’ Home as his mother felt she could not have dealt with him any longer.

Benjamin pleaded with the court to exercise leniency and mercy when sentencing George and explained that there is a vast difference between accessory before the fact and the offence for which his client was charged, “accessory to murder after the fact”. In his view, he explained, accessory before the fact is of a more heinous nature.

Notwithstanding his client’s conviction, Benjamin told the court there was no evidence that physically linked his client to the crime. The only evidence, he said, was the testimony of two police officers who said when George was being issued a copy of his charge sheet, he said the charge which was then brought against him (murder) did not fit the part he played in the incident.

He however, again, pleaded with the court to be merciful when sentencing his client.

Mother of the convicted man, Denise George, also pleaded with the court for a lenient sentence. ~~Adz:Right~~

She said after her son attained the age of seven or eight years, he took residence at the Harris’s Home where he stayed until he was 16 years old, after which he resided with her for the following three years. She said after he returned to her home “he was happy” and took up employment as a painter. At the age of 19, she said, he left her home and went on his own.

The convicted man submitted a mitigating plea of his own, during which he expressed his sorrow over the death of Michelle Weeks-Benjamin but maintained he had nothing to do with neither the murder nor the disposal of her body.

“I am deeply sorry for the untimely and non-beneficial death of the victim, and I also need the world to know I was not involved in the murder precisely or non-precisely…”

The convicted man told the court that he knew nothing of the incident and therefore could not “discourage the thoughts” of the individual who took her life, or could he “help the victim (because she) was beyond my reach”.

George maintained that he did not cause Weeks-Benjamin’s death or did he have any involvement with the disposal of her corpse.

“I ask you to please exercise mercy in sentencing,” George pleaded.

Justice Belle, in sentencing the 30-year-old, explained that because he was convicted as charged, a jury found that he acted in a manner so as to impede the arrest of his co-accused and to hinder justice.

“Individuals who participate in crimes of this manner will be treated harshly,” Belle expressed, but noted that he would not impose the maximum penalty upon George.

He sentenced him to serve 20 years imprisonment and advised him to use that period to reflect on his life and past decisions made. Justice Belle also told George that the decision on whether or not he would change his life for the better is up to him.

William ‘Willy-Esco’ Benjamin, who was convicted of Michelle Weeks-Benjamin’s murder, is scheduled to have a sentencing hearing in two weeks’ time.