BRAZILIAN national Ronaldo Lemar, 22, was yesterday placed on $350,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a wounding charge to which he pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that on May 1, at Melangi Landing, Cuyuni River, with intent to commit murder, the Brazilian wounded Eddy Branch, also called Coolie Boy.

The court heard that the accused is a shop owner, and Branch visits the shop often to make phone calls. According to Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on the day in question, at around 03:00 hrs, Branch went to the shop and found several persons imbibing and dancing. Branch asked a female for a dance, and this resulted in a fight with Lemar, who chucked Branch; but after Branch picked up two beer bottles, Lemar ran out of the shop.

The accused then returned with a spade and fired several lashes to Branch, who ran over to another shop. Lemar followed Branch and an argument ensued, during which he stabbed Branch to his right side abdomen.

Lemar was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Paul Fung-a-fat, who told the court that his client went to the bar and was attacked with a knife by Lemar. He added that Branch is strongly denying any allegation against him.

The prosecution did not oppose bail, but asked that conditions be applied. Lemar was placed on $350,000 bail, and was ordered to report to the officer in charge of the Aranka Police Station every Friday. The matter has been transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for May 21.