A farmer who allegedly chopped another was yesterday remanded to prison, after he was charged with felonious wounding, when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The allegation before Raymond Hutson is that on March 5, at Hobodai Village Aruka River, North West District, he unlawfully wounded Edwin Thompson with intent to maim, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm.
Hutson who was unrepresented by counsel pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. He then informed the court that Thompson had lashed him with a piece of wood. However, he had no visible injuries, while the court was shown a medical which indicated that Thompson had suffered injuries.
Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry, after listening to Hutson, entered a not guilty plea for him.
Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick, relating the facts of the matter, stated that Thompson and Hutson are known to each other since they reside in the same area. On the day in question at about 06:30 hrs, Edwin Thompson, the virtual complainant (VC) went to visit his brother Richard Thompson at Hutson’s home and he found his brother and the accused arguing.
Bostwick said Edwin Thompson asked the defendant what the problem was, but he refused to respond so he asked him the same question over and over again. The defendant became annoyed and armed himself with a cutlass.
At this, the VC ran away, but the defendant caught up with him and chopped him on his left upper back. The VC started to bleed and lost consciousness. He was taken to the Mabaruma Hospital and admitted.
Bostwick objected to Hutson being granted bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the punishment it attracts. He further pointed out that the VC is still a patient at the hospital and if the defendant were to be released on bail he might tamper with the prosecution’s witnesses.
Hutson was remanded to prison.
His matter will be called at the Mabaruma Magistrates’ Court on May 21.
