Linden businessman charged with year-old wounding of cop

A businessman was yesterday placed on $50,000 bail after he denied wounding a policeman on duty almost a year ago.

The allegation against Sherwin Benjamin, 21, of Lot 232 South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, states that on October 24th, 2014, at Mackenzie Linden Market tarmac, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Damian McFarlane.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court 2.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones said McFarlane, who was stationed at the Linden Market tarmac on the day of the attack, was involved in an argument with Benjamin. \

Jones added that it was during the altercation that Benjamin dealt the victim a stab to his left upper chest with a sharp object.

Benjamin’s attorney, during her application for bail, told the court her client was unaware that the matter against him was pending since he visited the police station on numerous occasions and was never arrested.

When asked by the magistrate why Benjamin was being charged almost a year later for the offence, Jones said the case file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution’s Chambers for legal advice, which was only given recently.

Jones had no objection to Benjamin being granted his pre-trial liberty but he asked for bail to be substantial. As a result, bail was set and the matter was adjourned to November 7th, when it will be heard at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.