A man who pleaded guilty to murder will get a new trial because prosecutors breached the terms of his plea agreement, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
Sherman Rhodriquez in 2010 admitted to stabbing his neighbor Dale Williams in a drug-crazed frenzy on December 7, 2004.
During plea negotiations, prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence of 20 years.
Attorney Jerone Roberts argued that Rhodriquez pleaded guilty on the understanding that he would receive the agreed sentence. Roberts said the agreement was rendered null and void when the prosecution failed to specify the sentence on which both parties had agreed. Instead, Rhodriquez was sentenced to 60 years in prison.
In contrast Garvin Gaskin, the deputy director of public prosecutions, submitted that the agreement was still valid.
In a judgment delivered Wednesday, Justice of Appeal Stanley John said "fairness is crucial to the administration of justice. Accuracy of what is being recommended plays a pivotal role in ensuring fairness to the accused person who has entered into a plea agreement."

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