Former Yarrowkabra miner Naresh Baldeo has been sentenced to seven years and three months for the killing of his co-worker, Mohabeer Gangadeen, who he had beaten during an alcohol-fuelled clash in the Potaro Backdam back in 2017.

Just over a month ago, Baldeo’s trial for murder commenced after he pleaded not guilty to the capital offence at his arraignment.

Mid-trial, however, the man indicated to the Court through his lawyer the new course he wanted to adopt and pleaded to the lesser offence of manslaughter; accepting that he unlawfully killed Gangadeen on August 12, 2017 at Potaro Backdam, Potaro River, Essequibo.

Justice Brassington Reynolds had then deferred his sentencing to first hear from probation and other social impact reports.

Following the presentation of the various reports on Thursday, the Judge sentenced Baldeo to seven years, three months behind bars.

The police had stated that the men were at the dredge in the Potaro Backdam consuming high wine and vodka when an argument ensued, resulting in the fatal altercation.

Gangadeen reportedly accused Baldeo of stealing gold from the dredge site with another employee.

As a result of the allegation, the men got into a heated argument, leading Gangadeen to pick up a spade with which he dealt Baldeo several lashes about his hand and face.

Baldeo, the police had said, managed to overpower Gangadeen and took away the spade, with which he then dealt the now deceased man several lashes about his body; after which he pushed him into the water.

Baldeo, police said, then removed Gangadeen from the water.

The man, however, later succumbed.

At the time of the killing, Baldeo and Gangadeen were the only ones at the dredge. The operations had been closed and both men were left to watch over the dredge.

The State’s case was presented by Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken

Meanwhile, the offender was represented by defence attorney Latchmi Dindyal.

The case was called at the High Court in Suddie.