A 27-year-old welder who told the court that he harmed his friend with a utility knife because he ‘provoked his spirit’, was yesterday sentenced to prison after he admitted to the offence.
Raphael Burnett of North East Sophia, was yesterday sentenced to six months in prison after pleading ‘guilty with explanation’ to a charge which stated that on June 25, 2019, at North Sophia, he assaulted Ray Sommerset so as to cause actual bodily harm.
“Over a period of time, this young man have been provoking my spirit,” Burnett said in reference to Sommerset, who was present in court.
On the day in question, according to Burnett, he had a confrontation with Sommerset, after the man reportedly called him names while he was walking. He said that during that time, Sommerset was holding a spade, and after overpowering him, he cut him with a razor blade.
According to Prosecutor Annalisa Brummel, however, during the time of the incident, Sommerset was at work at the said address when Burnett passed him and uttered some words to him. Sommerset replied and Burnett left the scene. However, Burnett later returned with a utility knife and questioned Sommerset before taking out the knife and cutting Sommerset on the right side of his back. Subsequently, Sommerset reported the matter to the police.
After hearing what had transpired between the men, Magistrate Faith McGusty sentenced Burnett to prison, telling him that it was a result of his impulsive behaviour and said she hopes that during his time in prison he will learn to control his emotions.
