Arthur James (l) Uroy Joseph (R)

Uroy Joseph has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his involvement in the aftermath of the 2021 murder of Arthur James, whose burnt remains were discovered in bushes in Freetown.

The sentence was handed down Tuesday morning following Joseph’s conviction late last month for being an accessory after the fact to murder.

During his trial before Justice Ann Marie Smith, Joseph claimed he acted out of fear after witnessing his cousin, Zamir Ogarro, strike James in the head with a pipe.

He told the court that he returned home to find James tied up and his cousins armed with guns. Joseph maintained that he wanted no involvement but was threatened with death if he refused to assist.

According to his account, he was forced to help place James’ body into a vehicle and later followed instructions concerning another vehicle.

Joseph also claimed he subsequently contacted police and cooperated with investigators, providing information about the killing.

However, the jury rejected his account and found him guilty.

Joseph was originally charged alongside his cousins, Zamir and Obasic Ogarro, but both men died before the case reached trial. Prosecutors had identified Zamir as the principal perpetrator of James’ murder.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Uroy Joseph sentenced to 22 years in prison in Arthur James murder case.