A High Court judge has ordered that the guilty plea entered by Brian Richards in the murder of educator and entertainer Kirwyn “Sir Mars” Mars be set aside, clearing the way for the matter to proceed to a full jury trial.
Richards, 27, appeared before Justice Joy Persaud-Singh on Wednesday at the Demerara Criminal Assizes, where he told the court that he did not fully comprehend the legal implications of pleading guilty to murder when he admitted the offence on May 4, 2026.
The labourer, who resides in the John Fernandes Limited (JFL) Squatting Area, Georgetown, informed the court that he maintains his innocence and wants the allegations against him to be determined through a trial.
Richards explained that although he accepted the advice of his attorney when entering the guilty plea, his limited education meant he did not fully appreciate that the plea amounted to an admission of responsibility for the killing.
Justice Persaud-Singh questioned Richards to determine whether he understood the consequences of his earlier admission. During the exchange, the accused indicated that although no one had forced him to plead guilty, he now wished to challenge the prosecution’s case before a jury.
Defence attorney Ronald Bostwick also referred the court to information contained in social inquiry and prison reports, noting that Richards had expressed remorse over the incident.
Representing the State, prosecutor Padma Dubraj told the court that the prosecution would abide by the judge’s ruling, while stressing that every accused person is entitled to a fair trial.
After considering the circumstances, including Richards’ level of understanding and the contents of the reports prepared ahead of sentencing, Justice Persaud-Singh ruled that the guilty plea should be vacated.
The sentencing process was subsequently discontinued, and the case was returned to the trial list to be heard before a judge and jury.
The decision significantly changes the course of the proceedings, which had appeared close to conclusion after Richards admitted responsibility for the killing.
Mars, widely known as “Sir Mars,” was a well-known educator and entertainer who dedicated more than 30 years to the teaching profession. At the time of his death, he served as Deputy Headmaster of New Central High School.
The 51-year-old was killed on May 7, 2023, at Plantation Providence, East Bank Demerara.
Police alleged that Mars sustained eight stab wounds before being run over by his own vehicle.
Investigators said Mars and Richards, who were known to each other, had spent time together before an altercation allegedly turned violent. Richards was later arrested after investigators reviewed surveillance footage and carried out further inquiries into the killing.
According to police, Richards later confessed to fatally stabbing Mars during the confrontation, a claim that forms a central part of the prosecution’s case.
