Derek Achong
A man accused of murder based solely on a confession allegedly made to a convicted killer he shared a prison cell with has been freed after spending 16 years on remand.
Sheldon Fraser was discharged by Justice Devan Rampersad on Monday after prosecutors offered no evidence against him.
Fraser and Rajnath Bridglal were accused of murdering Sunil “Pep” Sookdeo during a botched robbery at his poultry depot in Point Fortin on September 13, 2009.
Police alleged Fraser confessed to murder convict Simon Ovid while on remand in 2010. However, during the preliminary inquiry in 2015 and again at trial, Ovid denied Fraser ever confessed to him and suggested a police officer fabricated the statement attributed to him.
Prosecutors later said they were unable to locate the officer who allegedly recorded the statement, as he was believed to be outside the country.
Fraser maintained his innocence throughout the case.
Bridglal previously pleaded guilty to felony murder and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. He was credited for time spent on remand and is expected to be released in about two years and eight months.
