Davis remanded to Dodds on wounding charge

An allegation that a 50-year-old man wounded a woman with intent to maim, disfigure or disable her or to cause serious bodily harm landed him on the remand block at Dodds for the next 28 days at least.

Shurland Orlando Davis, of Brereton Village, St Philip is alleged to have unlawfully committed the act against Althea Burke, in the District ‘C’ jurisdiction on April 21.

Appearing in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court before Magistrate Graveney Bannister today the accused could not plead to the indictable charge which is to be heard in the High Court.

Sergeant Edwin Pinder objected to granting him bail based on the seriousness of the charge before the court.

The prosecutor revealed that the accused and the complainant lived in the same area. He also stated that Burke was “presently at the hospital” and further argued that there was a possibility that the accused could re-offend if released.

But attorney-at-law Dwight Moseley countered the prosecutor’s objection.

“There is nothing to suggest that he would re-offend having never been before the court in his 50 years. At this stage he maintains his innocence,” the defence lawyer submitted.

He told the court that Davis was willing to submit to any bail conditions if the court was minded to do so including staying “a certain distance” from the complainant.

“He is a man of good character. He has a fixed place of abode,” said Moseley who added that the accused was willing to change addresses at this time since the prosecution had pointed to the issue of proximity of the two parties.

Under questioning by the magistrate the prosecutor revealed that the alleged incident occurred around 8 a.m. on April 21 in the presence of the complainant’s son. “It occurred on the verandah of her house. They live in the same neighbourhood, within walking distance.”

With regards to Burke’s condition, Pinder said, she was detained on a ward at hospital. “Due to the nature of the injury, time is of the essence. Investigations are still ongoing.”

Magistrate Bannister ruled that Davis be remanded to Dodds until May 21.

“Section 16 matters are serious matters. The complainant is in hospital. The matter only occurred just a couple of days ago. It is my view that the police needs time to conduct investigations into this matter,” Magistrate Bannister said before transferring the case to the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court.