Curtis Couchman pleaded not guilty to the charges of unlawful wounding and damage to property.
It is alleged that on November 10, at Kapiaima, Cuyuni River, Essequibo, he unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on Royden Gale.
It is also alleged that on the same day and place he unlawfully and maliciously damaged one Dell laptop computer and a computer communication adapter, totalling over $534,000 in value, property of Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP).
The magistrate subsequently ordered that the case be transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court for December 14.
Prosecutor Stephen Telford told the court that on the day in question Gale was sleeping in a hammock at Kapiaima, Cuyuni River, Essequibo, when Couchman approached him, took out a piece of wood and started to beat him about his body.
He said that in an attempt to escape the blows Gale fled the area leaving the computer and adapter that Couchman damaged with the piece of wood.
A representative of MACORP, who was present in court, stated that because of severe pains that Gale has been experiencing following the incident, he is currently seeking further medical treatment at the hospital.
Prosecutor Telford objected to Couchman’s bail application on the grounds that if released he may not return to court. He strengthened this argument by noting that subsequent to the incident, Couchman was placed on $10,000 station bail but he failed to report to the police station when instructed to.
He went on to say that the police only rearrested Couchman several days ago after spotting him in town.
Telford further stated that from information gathered Couchman has been making arrangements to travel to the hinterland and it would be difficult to locate him if he does so.
Couchman, who appeared distressed, lamented “I didn’t do anything, so why should I run plus I need a lawyer.”
He was later escorted out of the court by a policeman.
