JUSTICE James Bovell Drakes granted a bail petition in favour of Vishnu Mangal, who was convicted for unlawful wounding.

He was ordered to post bail in the sum of $50,000 pending his appeal determination, and to hand over his passport to the Police Commander of Berbice Division, and report on the third Monday of each month at the Fort Wellington Police Station.

The bail petition was made by Attorney-at-law Lloyd Thomas in the Berbice High Court. In an affidavit, the lawyer said his client was charged with the offence of unlawful wounding, was found guilty by Magistrate Rhondel Weaver, and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. However, the appellant has been advised by his attorney that the Magistrate’s decision is wrong, having regard to contradictory evidence.

Additionally, the petition is not likely to be heard within a reasonable time; and further, the appellant is presently suffering from an injury which impedes his locomotion, as he presently has two screws in his right ball joint which assist him to walk with much discomfort.

Besides, the appellant has no one to take care of his cattle, and he is fearful of his cattle being impounded or stolen, resulting in him suffering irreparable loss if he is not placed on bail.