he High Court has set aside the guilty plea entered by Brian Richards in the murder case involving educator Kirwyn Mars, after the accused told the court today he did not fully understand the nature and consequences of the plea.
Richards, who knew Mars through a dance group, maintained that he is innocent and said his earlier guilty plea was entered on legal advice. He told the court that, due to his limited education, he did not understand the seriousness or legal implications of pleading guilty to murder. He has since requested that the matter proceed to trial.
During proceedings, Justice Joy Persaud-Singh questioned Richards about the plea entered on May 4, seeking clarity on whether he understood he was admitting to murder. Richards told the court he was not being forced to plead guilty and confirmed that he now wishes to go to trial, stating that this is his first experience with the criminal justice system.
Defence attorney Ronald Bostwick informed the court that Richards had expressed remorse, referencing a probation and prison report.
The prosecution, led by Padma Dubraj, said the State would abide by the court’s directions, emphasizing that every accused person is entitled to a fair trial.
The incident occurred on May 7, 2023, at Plantation Providence, East Bank Demerara. Kirwyn Mars, a veteran educator who served 31 years and was deputy head of New Central High School at the time, was killed after being stabbed eight times and then struck with his own vehicle, according to a post-mortem report.
After reviewing the probation report and considering Richards’ stated level of comprehension, the court found that he did not fully understand the plea. Justice Persaud Singh vacated the guilty plea, thereby averting the sentencing hearing. The matter, State vs Brian Richards, has now been placed on the trial list.
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