The High Court will decide on Thursday whether convicted murderer Saleim Harrigan will spend the rest of his life in prison or receive a fixed-term sentence for the abduction and murder of customs officer Nigel Christian.

The sentencing hearing concluded Wednesday after attorneys for both the prosecution and defense presented their final submissions.

Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph urged the court to impose the maximum sentence available, arguing that the gravity of the crime justifies either life imprisonment for the remainder of Harrigan’s natural life or, alternatively, a determinate sentence of 50 years.

Defense attorney Wendel Alexander asked the court to show leniency, relying largely on the findings of a probation report in support of a reduced sentence.

After hearing both sides, the presiding judge adjourned the matter until 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, when the sentence is expected to be handed down.

The ruling will determine whether Harrigan serves a whole-life sentence or a fixed prison term for one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most high-profile murder cases in recent years.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Saleim Harrigan to be sentenced Today for Murder of Nigel Christian.