– court hears
A 34-year-old businessman accused of shooting a 23-year-old mini-bus conductor following an argument at a nightspot was remanded to prison when he appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Terry Bacchus of 34 Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara pleaded not guilty to a charge of discharging a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Fazil Azeez.
It is alleged that on March 15 at Anna Catherina with intent to maim, disable or cause grievous bodily harm, he discharged a loaded firearm at Derron Elexy. Following investigations he was arrested and charged.
Police Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambajue reading the facts on the case said that on the day in question at about 11:30 pm, Bacchus and Elexy were at the Caribbean Temptation nightspot at Anna Catherina, when an argument ensued between the two. He said that the defendant, who is a licensed firearm holder, pulled out the gun and discharged a round which struck Elexy at his left shoulder. Elexy was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. In answer to a question from the magistrate the prosecutor said that the gun is currently lodged at the Leonora Police station. Elexy was present in court and when asked said that he was okay.
Attorney-at-law Nandine Ramkumar entered an appearance for Bacchus. She informed the court that the two parties had decided to settle the matter. Magistrate Azeez however said that the court was not going to accept the settlement and the matter was going to trial. Counsel responded that the virtual complainant had voluntarily entered into the agreement and would discharge all action in the matter.
The prosecutor then objected to the matter being settled and said that it could have been much worse. The magistrate agreed.
In a bail application, Ramkumar said that her client is married with three children and the owner of a boutique. She said that he had no previous convictions and asked that bail be granted.
However, bail was refused and Bacchus remanded to prison. He will return to court on April 8 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.
