Welcome resident convicted for killing a man over a pair of shoes

Even before the judge had passed sentence on Ian Abbott for killing a man over a pair of shoes, the convicted man struggled to stand and at one point looked as though he were about to pass out in the courtroom.

At the close of the Criminal Assizes at the High Court yesterday, Justice Kathy Ann {{more}}Latchoo sentenced the 36-year-old Welcome resident to a 10-year prison term after he pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter.

Abbott has already served 18 months on remand, which will be deducted from his sentence. He was initially charged with the murder of 39-year-old sailor Adrian Thomas, also of the same address, but at a later stage pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

The facts in the matter are that the deceased owned a pair of shoes and after some time they went missing. On December 30, 2013 at about 2:30 p.m., Thomas saw another person wearing the shoes and asked the person where he got them. The man told the deceased that Abbott had sold him them for $60.

Thomas went to Abbott’s home and inquired about his shoes.

As a result, he received a severe tongue lashing from Abbott, who then came out of his house and engaged in a tussle with the deceased, which resulted in Thomas sustaining two stab wounds to his chest.

In reading out her sentence, the judge noted that the aggravating factors for the father of four are that he has previous convictions relating to violence.

In relation to the mitigating factors, Latchoo said that Abbott pleaded guilty and has admitted remorse for his actions.

She advised him that while he is serving his sentence, he should make use of the remedial programmes at the prison.

Latchoo further urged the lanky man to reflect on what he has done and to make something better of his life when he is released.(KW)