Defense Attorney Al C. Elliot

Kink Charles Joseph of Augier, Vieux Fort was on Monday sentenced to 15 years in prison for the murder of 21-year-old Clifford Jack Dalson.

Joseph was also 21 at the time of the incident, which occurred in November 2004, at a playing field at Cantonment, Vieux Fort.

Representing the state was Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, Robert Innocent.

According to facts given by the prosecution, Joseph and Dalson met at the playing field where a football match was going on. A fight broke out between  Dalson and another man,  then Joseph, who believed that he was previously attacked by Dalson, drew a knife and stabbed him in the upper left abdomen.

That single stab wound was fatal.  The cause of death was hemorrhagic shock, or excessive bleeding.

Prior to sentencing a psychiatric evaluation was ordered by Justice Kenneth Benjamin. That report however indicated that the defendant has no mental disabilities despite the fact that the probationary report stated that there was a history of mental illness in the family.

Attorney-at-Law Al Elliot appeared on behalf of the defendant. He said his client, who took the stand during the one-week trial, showed remorse and had been cooperative with the police during their investigations.

During a brief interview with our reporter, Elliot stated his intentions to appeal the conviction.