A 19-year-old Moruca man, who is alleged to be mentally unstable, was yesterday accused of attempting to murder a neighbour in a brutal attack using a hammer.
The charge against Chavez Torres, which was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown, stated on May 10th, at Moruca, with intent to commit murder, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Daryl Gomes.
Torres was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge.
Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that on the day in question, Torres, while armed with a hammer, approached the complainant, who was at the time walking with a young woman, and dealt him several blows about his head and body, resulting in injuries. The young woman summoned help, causing Gomes to be taken to the hospital.
Attorney Lyndon Amsterdam, who represented Torres, stated that his client was attacked by several persons and was fending them off when Gomes was injured.
He added that he was made aware that his client suffered from mental issues and noted that he has been seeing psychiatrist Dr Bhiro Harry. As a result, Amsterdam requested that his client be released on reasonable bail.
The attorney’s request was not objected to by Mansfield, who noted that the complainant was discharged from hospital on Thursday and the length of time it would take for the next court hearing. He, however, requested that bail be substantial and that conditions be attached.
As a result, the Chief Magistrate granted Torres his release on $100,000 bail, with the conditions that he remain 50 feet away from the complainant and that he report every other Friday to the Aquero Police Station.
The matter was then adjourned until July 2nd, when it is expected to be heard at the Aquero Magistrate’s Court.
