A Linden man was yesterday charged with beating a woman who owed him money and shooting at another who went to her rescue.
Randolph Williams, 26, who was allegedly shot during the altercation, appeared in a city court with a cast on his left leg, and a needle protruding from his arm. The virtual complainants were not present for the matter.
Williams, of 214 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, is accused of discharging a loaded firearm at Natasha Watson with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or cause her grievous bodily harm.
Williams was also read a second charge of unlawfully assaulting Diane Williams on that same day so as to cause the woman bodily harm. The incident, which was said to have occurred on October 25th at Omai Backdam, Essequibo, was reportedly the result of a brewing issue between Williams and the woman, who owed him money.
Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail for the accused in light of the violence used during the altercation.
Jones said Williams had been owed money and on the day of the incident he had gone to Diane and started assaulting her. He said public-spirited citizens attempted to go to the woman’s aid when they saw Williams beating her. It was during this time that the accused allegedly shot at Natasha Watson.
Jones stated that Williams was not shot at the scene of the altercation. He said when police later apprehended the man, they saw he had been wounded.
Williams was represented by attorney Peter Hugh, who made an application for bail on behalf of his client.
The lawyer claimed that the altercation had resulted from one of the virtual complainants owing the defendant money. He said the woman confronted Williams with several persons and one of them drew a gun and shot him in the leg. This resulted in a scuffle between the parties, during which the gun again went off, he added.
Hugh, in his plea to the court, pointed out that his client was injured and it was unfair for him to be incarcerated given that the Camp Street prison did not have adequate facilities to properly care for him. He noted as well that Williams had just left the hospital and went directly to court for the hearing.
Hugh further stated that Williams was no flight risk and the young lady who was injured seemed to be in no apparent danger.
Williams was placed on $230,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and the matter has been adjourned to January 19th, when it will be called at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.
