Man admits chopping former neighbour

A St Philip man appeared in the High Court today and pleaded guilty to an 11-year-old charge.

Terry Avery Toppin, from Chapel Land told Madam Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell he was guilty of the offence of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Dave Harte on October 5, 2009.

Senior Crown Counsel Oliver Thomas in outlining the facts before the No. 4 Supreme Court said that two men knew each other from growing up in the same neighbourhood. On the date of the incident about 6:45 a.m. Harte was near his residence chatting with friends when he noticed Toppin riding his bicycle. As he rode closer Harte discovered that he had a sword in his hand which he subsequently used to “swipe” at him.

Harte fell to the ground and Toppin who was standing over him continued to chop at him. He was struck on his right elbow and stomach with the weapon and received several bruises. He was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

The prosecutor said the medical report showed that Harte received three lacerations but they were not life threatening.

When interviewed by police Toppin reportedly said he committed the act because Harte “started sending people to my house after hours, so I chop he up.”

He however said he threw away the sword he used. “ I don’t know where it is,” he told the cops.

Attorney-at-law Angella Mitchell-Gittens who represented Toppin requested a pre-sentencing report and a psychiatric report in preparation for sentencing. Justice Smith-Bovell granted the request.

The Crown and the defence will make submissions when the matter is called again.