A Las Cuevas woman accused of murdering her common-law husband four years ago has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Legal arguments are expected to continue on October 8 when the matter will be recalled before Justice Mark Mohammed in the Port-of-Spain Assizes. Angela Marie Clarke, 37, of Rincon Road, Las Cuevas, is on trial, accused of killing Dean Bhandoo on May 16, 2008.
Clarke, a mother of six, yesterday pleaded guilty to manslaughter, following which prosecutor Tricia Hudlin-Cooper indicated the state's acceptance of her plea. In re-reading the facts of the matter yesterday, the court heard that around 9.40 am on May 16, 2008, witness Simba Williams was at home with his wife and daughter, when he saw Clarke and Bhandoo driving to their home which was 50 meters away from his own.
Williams said he heard Clarke and Bhandoo arguing, following which Clarke brought the couple's daughter, Faith, to his house and asked him to keep her for a short period. During her time at Williams' home, Faith told Williams that Clarke had stabbed Bhandoo but he did not believe the child. Williams testified that upon his arrival at Bhandoo's house shortly after, he saw Bhandoo lying on the bed in a drunken stupor with a scratch on his chest and a gash to his leg.
Williams said he left with Clarke, who was also drunk, to go to a parlour to buy a soda for Bhandoo and on the way they met a man named Nolan. Williams and Nolan both testified they found Bhandoo lying face down by the front door of the house and called the police to report the murder. During the trial, PCs Abbott and Pierre also gave evidence.
Defence attorney Vernon de Lima accepted the state's offering of the facts, adding that Clarke was "contrite and sorry" for her actions. He said alcohol had played a big part in the tragic incident. Clarke told the judge if she was given a chance again, she would do her best to assist society even as her attorney appealed for a short custodial sentence.
