LIONEL Klass appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with unlawful and malicious wounding.According to the charge, Klass, a resident of Kitty, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Salem Khan with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm. The incident is alleged to have occurred on October 25, at Railway Street, Kitty, Georgetown. Klass pleaded guilty to the charge.
According to Police Prosecutor Michael Grant, on the day in question both the virtual complainant (VC) and the accused were at a shop at Railway Street, Kitty, consuming alcohol, when an argument ensued; Khan then hit the defendant in his face with a bottle. Klass in turn dealt the victim several slashes about his body with a broken bottle. Both men were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) for medical examination and treatment, after which Klass was arrested and charged.
The defendant told the court that he was drunk and acted in self-defence, that it was Khan who hit him first. Consequently,the magistrate recorded a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Bail was granted in the sum of $50,000 and Klass will make his next court appearance on April 17 for statements.