Hunte pleads guilty to manslaughter

Romano Hunte will be sentenced on a count of manslaughter the next time he appears at the High Court.{{more}}

Hunte, 21, of Ashburton, was charged with the murder of 14-year-old David “Movado” Glenn on March 4, 2009, at Belair. Hunte appeared at the High Court on Monday, February 8, and pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to manslaughter.

Lawyer Grant Connell requested a Social Inquiry Report for his client before sentencing on February 22.

Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle ordered that copies of the report should be furnished to the defense and prosecution on or before February 19, 2010.

The court heard that at about 3:45pm, Glenn, a student of the West St George Secondary School, was sitting at the side of the road awaiting a minibus. Minutes later, Glenn attempted to board the omnibus “Sammy” on which Hunte was already a passenger.

When the bus stopped, Hunte came out and held onto the deceased, before stabbing him on the left side of his chest. Hunte then ran towards the Gomea area, while Glenn pelted him with stones.

Glenn then entered the bus and was bleeding profusely and had to be rushed to health centre, where he died shortly after.

The court also heard that both youngsters had a history of bad blood between them since 2008, which ended in tragic circumstances.

In a statement given by Hunte, he said that he was on his way to Arnos Vale when Glenn entered the van. He stated that he saw “Movado screw up his face” and was taking off his bag.

Hunte said that he saw Glenn with a cutlass in his bag, and that was when he came out the van and stabbed him.