CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Thursday November 7, 2019, granted $100,000 bail to a 56-year-old farmer who was charged with attempted murder.

Ronald John of Five Miles, Kumaka, North West District, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.
Particulars of the charge stated that, on November 2, 2019, at Five Miles, Kumaka Road, with intent to commit murder, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Anthony Atkinson.
Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield made no objection to bail being granted to John and asked that the bail be substantial.

Mansfield added that, on the day in question, Atkinson was passing when he saw an individual with whom he had a misunderstanding. Atkinson stopped and was talking to the person and an argument developed. John intervened and dealt Atkinson several blows about his body with a wood then took a hammer and ‘lashed’ Atkinson twice to his head.
Atkinson was picked up and rushed to the hospital. John was arrested and later charged.
“The man come in my yard with a cutlass and a knife and fire a chop at me with a cutlass and it catch me on my hand, me and this boy never had no problem, I didn’t lash he with no hammer, I defended myself with a wood,” John said.

Magistrate McLennan released John on $100,000 bail and ordered that he stay 50 feet away from Atkinson until the completion of the matter. The matter was adjourned until January 7, 2019, at the Aquaro Magistrate’s Court.