Accused in knife stabbing was called ‘bicycle thief’- court hears

A man accused of stabbing another multiple times in his shoulder with a knife was yesterday admitted to bail in the sum of $75,000 when he appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that on November 7 at Georgetown, Troy Howes unlawfully and maliciously wounded Eno James. The labourer of 114 South Ruimveldt, Georgetown had initially entered a guilty plea to the charge of unlawful and malicious wounding when it was read to him by the magistrate.

After his explanation, however, the magistrate entered a not guilty plea.
The prosecutor in giving the facts of the case told the court that on the day in question, the virtual complainant (VC) accused the defendant of being a “bicycle thief.” This remark, according to the prosecutor, angered the defendant who drew a knife and stabbed the complainant twice to his shoulder.

When given a chance to speak, the accused told the court that he and James had been involved in a heated argument which later escalated into a fight when the complainant was stabbed in the process.

According to Howes, he was defending himself when the incident occurred as the complainant tried to attack him.
The virtual complainant was not in court.

The prosecution had no objection to Howes being granted his pretrial liberty. He was placed on $75,000 bail and ordered to return to court on December 6 for trial.