Drunken brawl lands North West man in court

Benedict Daniels of the North-West District of Region One (Barima-Waini) found himself before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of unlawful wounding committed against the person of Leon Samuels during a drunken brawl at an “Amerindian Heritage Wash-down” event in Wauna Village.
Prosecutor Arvin Moore told the court that Benedict Daniels and Leon Samuels were imbibing alcohol when a fight broke out, during which Daniels bashed Samuels with a beer bottle to the head.
Daniels readily admitted to the offence, and disclosed that Samuels had been a constant nuisance to him prior to the incident. He alleged that Samuels had approached him at least three times before, and had threatened him serious harm.
On the day of the incident, Daniels said, he was intoxicated when Samuels and a company of friends approached and began following him around. He was reportedly hit from behind with a beer bottle to the head, and he retaliated by bashing the complainant with a bottle he had in his hand.
Samuels sported a bandage to the head as evidence that he also had suffered injuries.
Upon hearing his explanation, the magistrate entered a not guilty plea on behalf of the accused, and placed him on ,000 bail, considering the mitigating factors of his case.
The matter has been transferred before the Mabaruma magistrate for hearing on November 21. Daniels has, meanwhile, been placed on a bond to keep the peace pending trial.