SURAJ Singh appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan on Monday, charged with wounding his step-son, Eon Lewis.

The 52-year-old Welder, who is a father of seven, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on March 19, 2017, at Aranka Landing, Cuyuni River, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Lewis.

His lawyer, Clyde Forde in his bail application, told the court that Singh was severely beaten after the alleged incident and was hospitalized for several days. However, according to Police Prosecutor, Arwyn Moore, the incident stemmed after Singh attempted to chop his wife with a cutlass and Lewis intervened. As a result, Lewis was chopped.

The prosecution strongly opposed to bail on the grounds that the defendant will tamper or harass the step-son. Bail was refused and Singh was remanded until April 6, 2017; the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.