A 23-year-old mechanic, Niron Persaud, also known as ‘lil Douglas’ of Albouystown, was, on Friday, March 27, 2020, granted bail by Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, having been slapped with two charges.

The first charge alleged that, on August 27, 2019, at Hunter Street, Albouystown, Persaud unlawfully assaulted Phillip Sealey.

The second charge alleged that, on August 27, 2019, at Hunter Street, Albouystown, Persaud discharged a loaded firearm at Phillip Sealey, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or to cause him grievous bodily harm.

When the charges were read to Persaud, he pleaded not guilty.
According to the report, on August 27, 2019, at about 19:00 hours, Sealey was at his stand where he sells non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. A female customer who goes by the name ‘Blackgirl’ approached the stand and purchased both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. In the company of others, she sat at the stand to drink. Persaud then came to the stand and demanded that she must leave with him immediately. However, ‘Blackgirl’ was reluctant to fulfill his demand. In response to her refusal, Persaud attempted to punch her. However, Sealey, in an attempt to shield ‘Blackgirl’ from the punch, received the punch to his jaw instead. Sealey continued to defend ‘Blackgirl’ by pushing Persaud away. However, Persaud was reluctant to desist from his act. Persaud rushed towards ‘Blackgirl’ and punched her to her face. An argument started between Blackgirl’s colleagues and Persaud. However, Persaud ran away while shouting “I am coming back to heat up the corner”.

According to Sealey, some five minutes later, Persaud returned on a motorcycle with his brother. Persaud proceeded to take out a black-handled cutlass from his left side waist and directed a chop at Sealey. Fortunately, it missed Sealey and, instead, connected to the bread stand. The cutlass fell from Persaud’s hand and he ran towards the motorcycle. Three explosions were then heard when Persaud was seen approaching on the motorcycle with his hand pointed in the direction of Sealey. The matter was reported to the Ruimveldt Police Station. Spent shells were recovered from the scene. Persaud was contacted and informed of the allegation. He was then cautioned and replied ‘I only cuff me girl, I didn’t shoot at no body’. Subsequently, he was arrested and taken to the station.

Prosecutor Sanj Singh had no objection to Persaud being granted bail. He however suggested that bail should be substantial and with conditions, since the investigation was incomplete.

Magistrate Bess proceeded to grant Persaud $100,000 bail for the ‘discharge of a loaded firearm’ charge and $10,000 bail for the ‘assault’ charge. Persaud was further ordered to report to the officer-in-charge of the Ruimveldt Police Station every Monday at 09:00 hours.

The matter was adjourned until Friday, May 29, 2020.