Man, 34, admits killing at club

A 34-year-old man has admitted killing a young electrician during a party at Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club.

Adam Leroy King pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Verneil Richardson yesterday at Supreme Court Arraignments.

King denied murdering Mr Richardson when a fight broke out at the club earlier this summer.

Prosecutors accepted King’s plea to the lesser charge and he will be sentenced on September 20.

Mr Richardson, 21, of Hamilton parish was fatally stabbed in the early hours of June 26, this year.

He was treated for puncture wounds at the scene but succumbed to his injuries.

In the wake of the killing detectives said that they wanted to speak to King in connection with the stabbing. 

And King later handed himself in to police.

Just a few days after the killing Mr Richardson’s family released a statement in which they said they forgave his killer.

The statement added:  “As followers of Christ and his example, our desire is for peace in our community and forgiveness of whoever may have been involved in the murder of our dear son.

“We believe that our son’s life had a purpose and that he did not die in vain. “It is our sincere hope and prayer that some young person somewhere seeks to find God and his grace as a result of this tragedy.

“This is our prayer, not only for this situation, but for our entire Bermuda community.”

Yesterday King of Bailey’s Bay was remanded into custody yesterday by Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons.

Pre-sentencing reports were not requested by his lawyer, Craig Attridge.

The maximum sentence that can be handed down for manslaughter is life imprisonment. 

Other matters

Also appearing at Arraignments yesterday:

• Vincent Outerbridge, 40, who denied wounding Stephen Bainbridge with intent, having an offensive weapon and willful damage. He was remanded in custody and will stand trial on November 18.

• Jahni Holder, 18, who denied causing grievous bodily harm to Rashaun Zuill on November 9, 2012, while driving without a valid licence and insurance. A trial date will be set at a later date.

• Jerome Mader who denied aggravated burglary, using an imitation firearm  to commit an indictable offence and using an imitation firearm during flight. He will stand trial, along with Justice Smith, and Tyun Smith-Ming on October 14.