Mentally-unstable man charged with wounding schoolboy

John Williams, the mentally-unstable man who attacked a Brickdam Secondary School student in the Stabroek Market area almost two weeks ago, was yesterday arraigned on an unlawful wounding charge.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ordered that Williams undergo a psychiatric evaluation after reading the charge to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Williams is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Kenneth David, 15, on November 28.
When asked to offer a plea to the charge, Williams shook his head and a not guilty plea was subsequently entered on his behalf. The magistrate attempted to question the man but he was unresponsive.

David, of Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, was attacked while he was on his way to school by Williams.

Kenneth David

David had said that he was walking with his younger brother along Brickdam, just outside the Public Buildings when the attack occurred. “…All of a sudden he ran out to me; he lashed me on my head twice. I was running and he lashed me on my hand and I eventually got away. I was screaming,” he said.

Persons nearby who witnessed the attack immediately rushed to David’s aid, while others beat the mentally challenged man. David and Williams both received treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.