A homeless man was remanded to prison on Wednesday after being faced with charges of wounding a man as well as threatening a woman.
Randolph De Mendonca appeared in a city court before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, who read charges of unlawful wounding, threatening behaviour and threatening language against him. The first charge against De Mendonca stated that on November 3rd, in the vicinity of Ruimveldt, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Seon Hunter. The second charge stated that on the same day and at the same location, he used threatening behaviour towards Colleen Thomas. In addition to the threatening behaviour, it was alleged that he used threatening language towards Thomas.
De Mendonca pleaded not guilty to the charges and told the court that Thomas tried to stone him. However, Thomas explained to the court that she was in her house when a neighbour called and informed her that the homeless man was cutting down her plants. She explained that he had scissors in his hands and was leaning over the fence as he cut her plants. She said she told him to stop and leave but he did not comply. Instead, she said, he got upset and started cursing at her until he eventually kicked her gate and this scared her.
Thomas made mention of Hunter, saying he saw what was happening and told her he would talk to the homeless man after he had left and was walking along the streets while still cursing at her. Hunter said after he approached De Mendonca to talk to him, the man picked up a stick and struck him.
Thomas, who was following behind, picked up small bricks which were on the road and threw them at De Mendonca. After the man left, both victims went to report the matter and de Mendonca, who is usually around the area, was arrested.
De Mendonca was remanded to prison by the magistrate, who set his trial for later in the month.
