A 45-year-old man was Wednesday sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for the gruesome killing of his wife Candacy Pitt and wounding her cousin, Brenda Thomas whom he savagely chopped at the Bygeval Secondary School, Mahaica East Coast Demerara on June 1, 2016.

Athlone Pitt was sentenced by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the High Court. He was initially charged with murder but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter; he also pleaded guilty to the felonious wounding charge.

The woman was a security guard at the Bygeval Secondary School when Athlone attacked and chopped her to death.

The Judge started his sentencing at 30 years but subtracted eight years as a result of Pitt’s early guilty plea.

He was also sentenced to eight years jail for the wounding charge, but his sentences will run concurrently.

In addition to the 22 years imprisonment, the Judge ordered that Pitt undergo counselling.

State prosecutor, Sarah Martin told the court that Pitt butchered his wife like meat.  With tears in his eyes, Pitt apologised for his actions Wednesday.

Probation Officer Marcus told the court that Pitt was once employed as a truck driver and carpenter and was described as an industrious person.

His relatives described him as a loving, caring and family-oriented man but his neighbours reported that after he lost his job, Pitt began to consume alcohol and his mental state deteriorated.

According to the Probation Officer, neighbours said that Pitt frequently talked about committing suicide and even attempted to take his own life.

Meanwhile, Pitt told the Probation Officer that he was often teased by his friends who claimed that his wife of 13 years was having an affair and so he committed the gruesome murder out of jealousy.

Defence attorney, Adrian Thompson said his client is remorseful and has been attending church services since his incarceration.

Thompson said that Putt is known in the prison as “Pastor.”

Prior to sentencing, the Judge took into consideration the injuries that Candacy Pitt suffered to her neck, arm, back, shoulder, and other places about her body; one of her arms was also severed.

The couple lived together at Chelsea Park, Mahaica. It was reported that Athlone was abusive and was jealous of his wife.