Two men, Rupert Jules of Soufriere and McBill Olive of Point Michel were arrested and brought before the court charged with wounding each other. While one pleaded guilty to the offense, the other maintained his innocence.
On August 2, 2022, Jules appeared before the Roseau Magistrate court where he pleaded not guilty to wounding Olive on July 30, 2022, at Soufriere.
Jules, who was granted station bail in the sum of $1,500.00 following his arrest, was released after his court appearance with the continuation of his bail in the same amount and with the same conditions.
His matter was adjourned to December 6, 2022, for the start of his trial.
Meanwhile, Olive who was not granted station bail, appeared in court on the same day charged with four offenses which occurred on July 30, at Soufriere.
The Point Michel man pleaded not guilty to two counts of resisting arrest and guilty to throwing missiles and wounding.
Despite his guilty plea, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Davidson Cadette, opted for a trial for all the matters “considering the facts surrounding the case,” he told the court.
Inspector Cadette did not object to bail for Olive but the defendant’s proposed surety was not appropriately dressed for court and as such he was remanded into custody at the Dominica State Prison, with bail opened to him.
His trial is expected to commence on August 26, 2022.
In other court news, the police have brought a charge of wounding and malicious damage against a St. Joseph man.
Micheal Defoe pleaded not guilty to wounding Finley Defoe on July 27, 2022, at St. Joseph.
He further stands charged for malicious damage for allegedly setting fire to certain items namely a mattress, bed and electrical wires which are valued at $3,000.00 belonging to Fritzroy Defoe being in the dwelling house of Finley Defoe. The charge further stated that the offense was committed in such a manner that if the building was to set on fire, the accused would have committed a felony. Defoe was not required to enter a plea on this charge as it is an indictable matter and is expected to be heard at the High court before a Judge and jury.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Cadette did not object to bail. However, the accused was unable to present a surety to the court and as such he was remanded into custody at the Dominica State Prison.
The matter was adjourned to November 8, 2022, for trial.
The Defoe’s grew up in a peaceful and loving family Kar Soukie and Sister were the best parents.I don’t know what the F go up in those boys head.They should leave that boots on the ground thing for UWP.Rupert Jules is cool,sometimes he believe he is too smart.Another Lennox Linton and IBO France.
Based on the heading i was expecting a lil more details on the specific incident. How do you charge two men for wounding each other? Are you not allowed to defend yourself. On face value this sounds like details missing. Unless this two were playing and agreed to hurt each other there has to be an aggressor and a defender. Simple who strike first. Surely if i am defending myself aggressor will get hurt. Or maybe its a case where you injured me and i came back later for revenge. A lil more details on the circumstances would be helpful to readers.
ADMIN: They were both charged the trial itself will determine if one or both are guilty under the law.
Again, it is heartening to see these recent cases are brought before the court so swiftly.
Crime does not discriminate. It affects all of us directly or indirectly. Therefore, it will take a collective effort from the whole of society to reduce it to negligible levels.
We need ground up solutions and not top down as presently practised.