STHERLINGA Gilks called “Coconut Man”, on Wednesday, appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court charged for the fatal stabbing at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) that claimed the life of 31-year-old engineer, Neil Rampersaud.

Gilks, 40, of Victoria Road, Plaisance, ECD, was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was later granted $500, 000 bail by Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool.

He allegedly committed the offence on May 29, 2022, at Zahora Street, Better Hope.

The matter was adjourned until July 8, 2022.

According to case facts, Rampersaud and Gilks are known to each other and were on speaking terms.

On the day in question at about 07: 38hrs, Rampersaud approached Gilks in the vicinity of Zahora Street, and demanded that he go to the station for wounding another man, Mohan Panchu, earlier that morning.

Rampersaud and Gilks then got into a heated argument during which he (Rampersaud) dealt the suspect two lashes about his body.

Gilks armed himself with a coconut blade and dealt Rampersaud a stab to his upper left side ribs causing severe injuries.

Rampersaud was picked up by public-spirited persons and taken to the
Woodlands Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Gilks who was apprehended by public-spirited persons, reportedly handed over a knife to the police.

It is alleged that Gilks when told of the allegation, under caution, admitted to stabbing Rampersaud in self-defence.