DANE Bonner, the Old Harbour murder convict who wept bitterly after being found guilty last week for the 2002 home invasion murder of a woman in his community, was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment.

Although Bonner, dubbed the 'weeping murder convict', never shed any tears yesterday, he was forcibly removed by a police officer from the prisoners' dock where he sat stunned following his sentence.

"Come Mr Bonner," the officer instructed the 27-year-old Bonner, who sat still with his face buried in his palms.
To no avail the cop again instructed Bonner to leave the dock, before gripping him by the waistband and removed him so that the court could continue its sitting.

After being led away, the overwhelmed Bonner paused to sit at the door just outside the courtroom but was prevented from doing so.

Bonner's mother, Ina Bonner, one of four persons who appeared at the sentencing as character witnesses, stood stunned outside the courtroom with her hands on her head, as she lamented the sentence.

The convict was ordered by the court to serve 35 years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Bonner, a mason and carpenter by trade, was found guilty on May 27 for the February 17, 2002 murder of 41-year-old Shirley Powell who was found at her Succaba Pen, St Catherine home with gunshot wounds to her body.

Before Powell succumbed to her injuries she reportedly told the police that ". Dane and Bross shot mi over drugs". She went on to name and describe Bonner's mother. Bonner was arrested some time after.

Following his conviction Bonner wept while professing his innocence.