Benschop begs for blind man accused of inciting him to commit murder

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:01 by GxMedia

Lochan being escorted from the Georgetown Magistrates Court on his first appearance.

The blind and otherwise sick man, who was accused of inciting political and social activist Mark Benschop to commit murder, was Friday granted bail after the complainant begged the court to be lenient.

The 55-year old Lochan (only name) was granted GUY$150,000 bail by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore after hearing defence lawyer Dexter Todd, Benschop and the prosecutor.

The prosecutor did not object to bail given the fact that the case has to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice and the accused has to return to court on Monday, June 10.

Benschop told the court that the based on the sluggish behaviour of the police and Lochan’s current health condition, he would like the accused to be given an opportunity to be with his grieving family.

“I have forgiven him and though I understand the seriousness of the offence, it is my firm belief that the police don’t see it this way because it has been one month and the investigations are not complete and now they are looking to send it to the DPP for advice,” said Benschop.

The political and social activist said he has forgiven Lochan and hoped that he would apologise to his family for the embarrassment caused.

The lawyer added that Lochan’s health condition has seriously deteriorated since his first court appearance on May 13. He explained that was due to improper medical attention and he only accepts medication from his wife for the past 20 years. He doesn’t know what medication she gives him and he only trusts his wife, said he lawyer.

On hearing that he would be granted pre-trial liberty, Lochan began crying and so were his relatives who all said they missed him.

The prosecutor told the court that on May 7 the father of six allegedly attempted to incite Benschop to hire two men to kill Kumar and Dave who “had done him bodily harm some time last year.”

Lochan allegedly said that he was willing to pay the hired killers GUY$100,000 each to commit the act.

Police said Lochan was arrested in a sting operation at Benschop’s East Street, Georgetown office where he had gone.