A youth accused of unlawfully wounding a friend was granted bail yesterday after he denied the charge.
Denzel Chance, 18, a gold miner from Bartica, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday on a charge that on November 12th, 2019, at Quartz Stone Backdam, Cuyuni River, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Trevon Semple, with intent to maim or disfigure him.
Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that Semple had asked Chance to help him build a shop but had explained that it would be a while before he would be paid for his help.
On the day of the alleged unlawful wounding, Chance made contact with Semple and demanded to be paid.
When Semple refused to pay him, an argument ensued, which resulted in a scuffle. The prosecutor said that Chance had a knife in his hands at the time. It was reported that Semple sustained several stabs and was rushed to the nearest hospital before being admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital. He was discharged yesterday.
The prosecutor added that Semple suffered penetrating abdominal trauma and lacerations to the legs and an arm.
Chance, in response to the prosecutor’s information, told the court that Semple was armed with a pair of scissors and attacked him. Chance added that at the time he had a knife in his possession.
Prosecutor Mansfield did not object to bail being granted but asked that conditions be attached. The magistrate subsequently released Chance on $70,000 bail, with the condition that he reports to the Bartica Police Station every Friday until the completion of his trial and that he stays 50 feet away from the virtual complainant. He has also been prohibited from making contact with Semple or members of his family.
His next court hearing will be at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on November 29th.
