A mason was yesterday asked to post a total of $150,000 bail to secure his pre-trial liberty after he was faced with charges of inflicting bodily harm and wounding.
The charges were read to Jamal Edwards, 25, of West La Penitence Housing Scheme, when he was brought before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in a Georgetown court.
He pleaded “guilty with explanation” to the charge that on March 21, 2021, at West La Penitence, he unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on Sharon Hinckson. He also offered a similar plea to the charge that on December 31, at the same location, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Adrian Hunt.
According to Edwards, he had an issue with Hinckson’s brother. However, he said that he did not wound the woman. In relation to Hunt, he said the man had a knife and was aiming it at him.
Following the explanations, the magistrate entered not guilty pleas on his behalf.
The Police Prosecutor objected to bail while citing the seriousness of the charges. He also told the court that the man was hiding from police after being arrested for the offence in March. The court heard that the man was released on his own recognisance by police with the condition that he report to them. But Edwards allegedly did not report to them and the second offence was allegedly committed in the intervening period, prompting the police to go searching for him. He was found at his address and hence the charges were brought against him.
Edwards told the court that he was not on the run. He explained that he was informed that the police would contact him. He further said that the police did not make contact until Friday last, when he was told to visit the station. He said that he was working at the time and he told the officer that he would go after work. But he was arrested at his home.
After listening to the Police Prosecutor and Edwards, the Magistrate granted bail. She explained that her decision was due to the offences being bailable. She said bail was being granted on the condition that Edwards reports to the police on the first Friday of every month until the completion of the proceedings. Bail was set at $75,000 for each charge and the matters were adjourned until February 21.
