A woman who was initially charged with the indictable offence of attempted murder walked free yesterday after the virtual complainant (VC) told the court that he no longer wanted to offer any evidence against her or pursue the matter any further.
On July 8 at Georgetown, it was alleged that Alisha Smith, with intent to murder, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Rasheed Durishram.
Smith was not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to her by Magistrate Priya Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
Police Prosecutor Munilall Seetaram told the court that on the day in question the defendant and the VC who once shared a common law relationship had gotten into a heated argument.
According to the prosecutor the quarrel escalated and the defendant armed herself with a knife and later stabbed the VC who had to be hospitalised.
At this point the VC indicated to the court that he no longer wished to offer any evidence against the accused.
The magistrate then ordered Durishram to take the witness box where, after being placed on oath, he was questioned by the prosecutor who asked him if he was sure he wanted to drop such a serious matter against the accused. The prosecutor also asked the VC if he was influenced by any person or persons or if he was acting of his own volition to discontinue with the matter.
Durishram in his response told the court that he was certain that he wanted to drop the matter and no one had influenced him in making such a decision.
The unrepresented defendant was later placed on a bond to keep the peace for one year.
