A Charlestown man was on Monday freed of a wounding charge by Magistrate Ann McLennan, who found that he acted in self defence.
Nico Thomas, of 17 Broad and Lombard streets, Charlestown, left the city courtroom elated.
Thomas had been charged in December with unlawfully wounding Orlando Klass at Cornhill Street, Stabroek. He had pleaded not guilty.
Delivering her ruling, the Chief Magistrate said that the court based its ruling solely on the fact that Thomas acted in self defence although Klass was injured. During testimony, the defendant along with witnesses told the court that the virtual complainant was the aggressor. According to the Chief Magistrate, Thomas believed that his life was in danger when Klass picked up a cutlass and a beer bottle and attacked him. Thomas somehow managed to wound Klass during the attack.
In conclusion, the Chief Magistrate said that the prosecution had to prove that Thomas’ action was unlawful, which it failed to do.
Therefore, the case against Thomas was discharged and he was freed.
