Miner remanded for axe attack

A miner accused of chopping a man to the head with an axe was yesterday remanded to prison.

The allegation against Wayne Jackson is that on December 17, at 14 Miles Issano Backdam, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Courtney Pollard, with intent to maim disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm to him.

Jackson, who resides at Parika/Salem, East Bank Essequibo, pleaded not guilty to the charge of unlawful and malicious wounding when it was read to him by acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

In giving the facts of the case, Prosecutor Stephen Telford told the court that Pollard was attempting to part a fight between two other men, to the annoyance of Jackson.

According to Telford, an angry Jackson armed himself with an axe that was nearby and dealt Pollard a chop to his head.

Telford objected to bail for Jackson, noting that Pollard is still hospitalized in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He added too that the offence was a serious and prevalent one.

When given a chance to respond, Jackson calmly told the court that the incident was an accident. “It was ah accident, madam,” he said to the magistrate.

Telford’s request was granted and the unrepresented Jackson was remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrates’ Court, for a hearing on January, 5.