Ex-convict Kwame Bruce will be returning to jail for four months after pleading to two charges, including using threatening behaviour against a man he claimed was a former inmate.
Bruce, a self-described beggar, pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in the city yesterday.
The first charge stated that Bruce, on January 7, at the Stabroek Market bazaar, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Pauline Simon.
The second charge stated that on the same day he used threatening behaviour towards Safraz Ghani.
According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, the virtual complainants, who are in a relationship, were shopping around 13:10 hrs in the Stabroek Market bazaar when they were approached by Bruce. Bruce, who had been using crutches, asked Ghani for a “raise.” Bruce claimed he knew Ghani from prison.
When Ghani refused to give money to Bruce, he became enraged, dropped his crutches and pulled out an ice pick. As Bruce approached Ghani, he was intercepted by Simon, who tried to retrieve the weapon. In retaliation, Bruce dragged and head-butted the woman.
The man added that he eventually ended the altercation, stating that he didn’t want to “become involved in any story.”
A report was made and the resulting investigation led to the identification and arrest of Bruce.
According to Prosecutor Mangru, Simon suffered injuries in the form of swelling and lacerations to her upper lip. Bruce said that Simon had only been injured because she concerned herself with matters that had nothing to do with her.
