A RESIDENT of Lot 9 Supply, East Bank Demerara yesterday appeared in court charged with assault and was released on bail after being informed that the penalty for a guilty plea is custodial.
Oneil Cook appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octave-Hamilton and pleaded not guilty to the charge which said, on August 22 last, at Cornhill Street, he unlawfully assaulted Claude February so as to cause him actual bodily harm.
Cook took a while before answering the charge and it was at this point that the Magistrate informed him that the offence has a custodial penalty.
Magistrate Octave-Hamilton observed that no one takes the time to explain these things to the defendants and noted that she likes to be fair.
Cook was sent on $20,000 bail and the case will be called again on September 29.
The virtual complainant in the matter was also charged but did not turn up in court. This matter will continue on the same day that Cook will return to court.