TWENTY-THREE-year-old Mikhail Punch appeared before Sparendaam Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul charged with the offense of attempted murder.The unrepresented defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was released on $100,000 bail. It is alleged that on April 3, at Graham Street Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, with intent to commit murder, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Kwame Herod.

Police Prosecutor David Goodridge told the court that, on the day in question, the victim was attacked by Punch who was armed with a cutlass. Goodridge noted that two other persons were also previously charged with the same offence.

The accused was ordered to report to the Sparendaam police station until completion of the trial. The matter was adjourned to November 18.