Trial begins of accused in attempted pitchfork murder

The trial of Deon Braithwaite, who is accused of attempting to murder another man using a pitchfork, began yesterday before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the High Court in Georgetown.

A jury was empanelled on Thursday to hear the case.

The charge against Braithwaite states that on October 29th, 2012, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Safraz Gani, with intent to commit murder.

Braithwaite is accused of spearing Gani to his chest with a pitchfork.

When Braithwaite was initially charged, the prosecutor had informed that the parties had a misunderstanding, during which Braithwaite stabbed Gani to his chest with a pitchfork and dealt him several lashes about his body with the handle of the tool.

The court was also told that Gani sustained several broken bones and collapsed in an unconscious state before being rushed to the hospital. The man’s left hand had been paralyzed due to the attack.

The accused, who has been admitted to $80,000 bail, denied the indictment when it was read to him.

The state’s case is presented by prosecutors Michael Shahood and Narissa Leander who will be calling five witnesses to the stand.

Braithwaite is unrepresented by counsel.

The trial continues on Monday morning at 9.