Man accused of threatening mother, assaulting police

Paul Smith, who was charged with threatening to kill his mother and wounding a policeman, was yesterday released on his own recognisance by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It was alleged that on September 13, in Georgetown, Smith, 20, used threatening language to his mother, Sharon Smith, occasioning a breach of the peace.

It was also stated on the same date, while being placed into custody he unlawfully and maliciously wounded police constable Shane Frank, causing him actual bodily harm.

Paul Smith

Smith pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that Smith went to his mother’s house where he lived prior, and went to the back of the house and lit a fire to cook.

His mother objected to him lighting the fire and the two had an argument and he threatened to kill her, Mansfield said. As a result, she reported the matter to the police station and Smith was held.

Mansfield told the court that when Smith was being placed in the lock-ups, Smith then dealt a blow to the police officer’s face with a padlock, causing injuries.

When given an opportunity to speak, Smith said that he was a came home and he was hungry so he went to prepare something to eat, when he and his mother had and argument. He said he did not mean to “really” kill her.

When asked whether he assaulted Frank, Smith accused the policeman of holding him in a rough manner.

The prosecution had no objections to bail, which the magistrate set at $25,000.

Smith, however, appealed to the magistrate, saying that he had no money to post bail. As a result, she then released him on self bail, advising him that he needs to be on good behaviour, pending the determination of the matter.

He will make his next appearance on September 28 in Court 6.