FRANCIS Gonsalves, a 32-year-old labourer of Charity, Essequibo Coast tried to commit suicide on Thursday in the Suddie Magistrate’s Court after Essequibo Magistrate Sunil Scarce had remanded him to prison on a charge of having forced sex with a female at Charity on February 17.

Prosecutor Krishna Datt Ramana reportedly had to grab Gonsalves after he made a stunning dash for the window, and attempted to hurl himself onto the concrete floor some twelve feet below, saying that he does not want to go to prison again.

Gonsalves was not required to plead to the indictable charge of rape; and the prosecutor, who objected to bail, said the victim had been rescued by the mother of the accused, and that violence had been used in perpetrating the act.

Ramana said that evidence in the matter is very strong.

Magistrate Sunil Scarce has ordered a psychiatric evaluation of the prisoner.

(Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)