A Brazilian shop owner was yesterday charged with attempted murder following a stabbing at a Cuyuni River location.
Ronaldo Lima, 22, pleaded not guilty to the charge that he wounded Eddy Branch with the intent to commit murder on May 1.
Lima’s attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat explained that his client operates a bar and call centre where Branch was consuming alcohol on the night of the stabbing.
Fung-A-Fat said he was told that Branch, who was intoxicated at the time, attacked his client. Lima denies ever doing anything to wound Branch, he added.
However, according to the prosecution’s case, Branch, who frequents the business to make calls, visited while several persons were consuming alcohol and dancing.
It was further related that an argument ensued between Branch and a Brazilian man and, after being alerted, Lima proceeded to push Branch out of the shop.
Branch in turn picked up two beer bottles, which led Lima to arm himself with a spade, which he used to fire several lashes at Branch, the prosecution is arguing. Branch then ran to another shop, where he was allegedly followed by Lima.
The conflict continued and during the altercation Branch was stabbed to the right side of his abdomen. Branch was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was treated before being discharged.
With no objections by the prosecution, Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry set bail at $350,000 and ordered the matter to be transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for May 21.
