The niece of Hilbert Scott, the security guard who succumbed to burns he sustained more than two weeks ago after he was allegedly doused with hot water, was charged with his murder on Thursday.
Forty-two year-old Frances Harlequin appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse in the Linden Magistrate’s Court.
Harlequin was not required to enter a plea and was remanded to the New Amsterdam Prison until her next hearing, which is scheduled for August 6th for a report from the police.
Scott, 56, of Lot 38 Half Mile, Linden, was allegedly doused by his niece with hot water during an argument. He was initially taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was treated and sent away.
Sometime later, Scott began complaining of feeling ill and returned to the hospital. It was then that he was admitted and his condition deteriorated. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he later succumbed around 8.15 am on Monday.
Days after the incident, Harlequin was charged in absentia with the offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. This charge is likely to be withdrawn.
Reports are that Scott and the suspect lived at the same property but in separate apartments.
Stabroek News was told that on June 16th, Harlequin allegedly lit a “coal pot” and the smoke affected Scott.
As a result, Scott had related to the police that he went over to Harlequin’s apartment to speak to her about the smoke and she became annoyed and allegedly threw the hot water on him.
Following the incident, Scott immediately went to the Wismar Police Station, where he reported the assault and from where he was escorted for medical attention.
Shortly after, Harlequin reportedly visited the police station and alleged that she threw the water on Scott in retaliation after he dealt her a cuff to her mouth.
A post-mortem examination conducted on Scott’s remains revealed that he died as a result of sepsis.
The autopsy was performed by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary.
