Life sentence given to former Shongweni jockey for the murder of Janet Scott
Durban High Court Judge Shyam Gyanda said life in prison without leave to appeal was the only sentance he could give Graham Gregorowski for the crime of beating his partner, Janet Scott to death.
“IT was the right sentence, but it doesn’t bring her back!”
These were the words of an old friend of Janet Scott’s sitting outside the Durban High Court’s B court this afternoon following the sentencing portion of the trial of former jockey, Graham Gregorowski who was found guilty of the murder of Janet Scott today.
A few hours later he was given a life sentence for the Shongweni murder which rocked the Highway area in October 2016.
Scott’s body was discovered on 15 October 2016 – she was 54 at the time of her death.
ALSO READ: Shongweni jockey found guilty of murdering Janet Scott
In addition to the sentence of life in prison, Durban High Court judge, Shyam Gyanda also denied Gregorowski’s counsel, Adv Marshall Zulu, leave to appeal neither the conviction, nor the sentence of life behind bars.
ALSO READ: “I’m sorry, I don’t know what I did,” murder trial witness quotes Shongweni jockey accused of murder
State advocate Krishen Shah presented evidence in aggravation of sentencing which included two victim’s impact statements by Scott’s daughter and brother.
Shah said the accused had shown no remorse.
ALSO READ: Shongweni jockey murder trial forensic expert: “I have never seen such injuries on a single victim”
During the trial Dr Sibusiso Ntsele, a specialist forensic pathologist testified how Scott’s injuries could only have been made by a continuous attack lasting at least 30 minutes.
“Your mother, your girlfriend, and your children all suffer on account of your actions Mr Gregorowski,” said Judge Gyanda as he explained his reasons for the sentence he was giving the accused.
ALSO READ: Jockey murder trial: Gregorwski confirms drug use on the night before girlfriend’s death
The suggestion by Adv Marshall that drug use and drinking had played a role in the murder taking place was rejected outright by Gyanda.
“The accused has testified that alcohol had played no part in his actions, so what am I supposed to do now that he wants to use that to appeal this conviction and sentence?” asked the judge.
ALSO READ:Two Highway femicide cases due back in court this week
Speaking to Highway Mail shortly after the sentence Scott’s daughter, Stacey, said all her mother ever wanted was to be a grandmother.
“She just wanted to be a Nanna and give people love,” she told reporters.
She also said she felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders when she left the court this afternoon.
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