‘Disciplining’ of son lands father in court

A father of three on Friday appeared before Magistrate Christel Lambert at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court charged with unlawfully wounding one of his sons.
Terrence Hopkinson, 51, of Lot 67 Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on August 5, 2016, at Uitvlugt, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Trevor Hopkinson with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The prosecution contended that on the day of the incident, both the defendant and the virtual complainant (VC) the son, were involved in a heated argument.
Reports are that the defendant picked up a piece of wood and dealt the VC several blows about his body. The VC reportedly fell after which the defendant continued to hit him until several persons came to his assistance.
He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was admitted.
The matter was reported to the Leonora Police Station and the defendant was arrested and charged.
Hopkinson told the Magistrate that his son was being unruly and as such he had to “discipline” him.
However, Magistrate Lambert explained to the defendant that there is a difference between discipline and abuse.
Hopkinson was granted bail in the sum of ,000 and is scheduled to make a next court appearance on September 16, 2016.