Ratho Mill woman found guilty of manslaughter

Friday, March 13, 2009, will be the day that Flavia Richardson will be sentenced after being found guilty of manslaughter.{{more}}

The Ratho Mill resident was remanded in custody on Monday, February 16, 2009, after a nine-member jury found her guilty for causing the death of her common-law husband, Winston Williams, on March 19, 2007, at their home in Ratho Mill. A Social Inquiry report should be tendered to the court to assist with sentencing in March.

Williams succumbed to a stab wound to the left side of his chest following a dispute with the accused.

As investigating officer, Sergeant Hesron Ballantyne of the Major Crimes Unit read the statement given by Richardson. She had stated that Williams came home that day and met her with their child in one of the bedrooms of the two-bedroom dwelling house. Richardson told the officer that Williams said goodnight and touched the baby just before going to the kitchen.

Moments later, Richardson said that she saw the deceased was about to leave the house when she went in front the main door and blocked his path. She said Williams shoved her aside and she managed to strike him back, but he pushed her on the floor. Richardson added that while on the ground, she and the deceased engaged in a scuffle where Williams proceeded to pull the accused by her legs out onto the porch. While being dragged, Richardson said she picked up a knife and was going to cut him on his hands. Williams, however, managed to pry the knife from her, continued dragging her outside and threw her over the porch. Richardson managed to get the knife after it dropped from the deceased. She then stabbed him once in his chest. Williams ran, holding his chest, but did not reach far as he collapsed in the yard.

The defense led by Counsel Ronald Marks had submitted to the court that his client acted in self-defense and that it was an accident. (KW)