A Region One farmer, who is accused of attempted murder, was released on bail yesterday after he claimed his actions were in self defence.
Ronald John, 53, was not required to plead to the indictable charge that on November 2nd, at Five Miles, Kumaka, North West District, with intent to commit murder, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Anthony Atkinson.
The charge was read by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the George-town Magistrates’ Court One.
According to prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, on the day in question Atkinson had a misunderstanding with another man and John attempted to intervene and picked up a piece of wood and started hitting him about his body, causing him to collapse. According to Mansfield, John then picked up a hammer and struck Atkinson twice to the head.
However, John told the court that he tried to stop two men, including Atkinson, from coming to blows. He noted that Atkinson is known for causing trouble in the village. He said afterward he went to his home. It was at his home, John said, that Atkinson attacked him with a knife and cutlass. He said he sustained a chop to one of his arms after being caught off guard by Atkinson. He lifted his injured arm for the court to see. He said it was then that he picked up a piece of wood in an attempt to defend himself. “He chop me with a cutlass so I had to defend myself. I did not mean to lash him on his head,” John said.
John was subsequently granted bail in the sum of $100,000 with the condition that he stays at least 50 feet away from Atkinson until the completion of the Preliminary Inquiry into the charge. The magistrate transferred the matter to the Aquero Magistrate’s Court and told John his next scheduled appearance will be on January 7th, 2020.
