A second chance

Fri, Apr 13. 2012

Editor: It seems as if the reports in the Searchlight newspaper on August 29, 2010, assisted former teacher Grantley Bramble to be released from prison well in time to see his son graduate.{{more}}

Searchlight reported that Bramble, who was serving a 20-year sentence for rape, sometimes bawled in the prison when he remembered his children, especially his son who was only ten months when the jail sentence was passed on him.

Bramble was released with two other prisoners who were convicted of murder.

I prosecuted the case against Cordelia Stephens and her young lover Anthony Robinson, who killed the God-fearing husband of Cordelia, who was called “Little Jesus”.

He was 48 years old at the time, while his wife, who planned his death, was 36 years old, and her boy friend was only 24. It was a sad and brutal case where Cornelia plotted with young Anthony to chop her husband to death.

They were both sentenced to death by Justice Satrohan Singh after the jury after deliberating for less than an hour brought them guilty of the capital offence. I do not believe in the death penalty, and I supported a petition filed by the two convicted accused that the death sentence be commutted.

This was more than 22 years ago, and I feel that they have suffered enough for the crime, and the Prerogative or Mercy Committee was right in releasing the two.

I also feel that the Commitee was justified in releasing Bramble after serving 14 years for rape.

From reports, it seems as if the former school teacher regretted his wrongful sexual acts and he would be a changed man. He also played a good role while he was in prison – preaching against crime, and teaching his fellow inmates.

Lawbreakers should be given a second chance to rehabilitate.

Oscar Ramjeet