An ex-convict was yesterday remanded to prison after being charged with chopping off a man’s finger and threatening to kill a couple.
The Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court heard that Rampersaud Ramraj, 39, of 31 Montrose, East Coast Demerara, on January 27, allegedly inflicted grievous bodily harm on Rolf Ram.
It is also alleged that on January 25, Ramraj made use of threatening language to Saraswati and Andy Singh.
Ramraj pleaded not guilty to the three charges when they were read to him by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul.
Police prosecutor David Goodridge objected to bail based on the gravity of the offence and his fear that if Ramraj was given bail he would target the virtual complainants again, since he allegedly threatened to kill one of them in the presence in the magistrate. He further noted that Ramraj was already sent to prison for offences similar in nature.
Goodridge told the court that on January 27, Ram was walking on the Montrose seawall when Ramraj, armed with a cutlass, went up to him and demanded money. When Ram refused to give him any money, Goodridge said he then fired chops to the man’s head, left hand and fingers, severing one of Ram’s finger in the process. The complainant was rushed to the hospital and Ramraj was arrested.
Ram, who was released from the hospital and was present in court, showed the magistrate the injuries he received from Ramraj.
The court also heard that two days before the attack Ramraj had threatened to kill the Singhs at their residence.
After hearing the submissions of the prosecutor, Magistrate Ally-Seepaul remanded Ramaraj to prison. His next court date is on March 24, 2016.
