Bail for man accused of killing elderly woman in home invasion

After spending a little over a year on remand, a 36-year-old man from Couva, accused of murdering a 75-year-old family friend, has been granted $1.8 million bail.

Kellon George was charged with murdering Lutchman Bickram in August, last year. He was granted bail by High Court Judge Kathy-Ann Waterman-Latchoo, last Friday.

Bickram, a pensioner from Calcutta No 2, Freeport, was beaten during a home invasion on July 7, last year.

She was taken to the hospital for treatment but died the following day.

George, whose parents were reportedly friends with Bickram and who briefly lived at her home when he was a teenager, was charged with the crime.

In his bail application, George’s lawyer, Keith Beckles, claimed that his client, who had a clean criminal record before being charged, was framed by a third party.

Beckles pointed out that Bickram never identified her attacker to police officers who responded to her home and the third party subsequently claimed that Bickram confided in her before her death.

Stating that the evidence against George is weak, Beckles also noted that he did not match the physical description of the intruder provided by Bickram.

“It is pellucidly clear that some person(s) were looking for a fall guy to set up and the Applicant’s name was called when he had absolutely nothing to do with the death of the deceased and was nowhere in the vicinity,” Beckles said.

“The Applicant has absolutely no reason or motive to hurt the deceased who was a good friend to his father and mother and was like a mother to him,” he added.

Under the conditions of his bail, George was ordered to reside at his father’s home in Couva, which is located behind the Couva Police Station. He was also ordered to report to the station three times weekly until his case is determined.

Justice Waterman-Latchoo also ordered George not to have any communication with the witnesses in the case.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was represented by Rhea Libert. —Derek Achong

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