East La Penitence taxi driver remanded on attempted murder charge

An East La Penitence, Georgetown, taxi driver was on Tuesday remanded to prison after being slapped with an attempted murder charge.
The accused, 45-year-old Ian Bins, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him.

Police stated that on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Aubrey Barker Road, Georgetown, Bins unlawfully and maliciously wounded Ronald Newton with intent to commit murder.
During the proceedings, the prosecutor strongly objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence and concerns for the safety of the virtual complainant. The court was told that Newton had recently been discharged from the hospital after being treated for multiple stab wounds.
However, the prosecutor noted that no medical report was yet available.
When questioned by the Magistrate, Bins said that he had known Newton for about 25 years. He explained that on the day of the incident, he visited a nearby shop to make a purchase when Newton saw him and allegedly opened fire. According to Bins, he became fearful for his life, entered his vehicle, and drove to the police station, where he was subsequently arrested.
The prosecutor, however, presented a different account of what transpired. He said that the accused and the virtual complainant had a prior disagreement dating back several years. On the day of the incident, both men reportedly ended up at the same shop. The accused allegedly approached Newton, who responded by firing warning shots into the air. The prosecutor claimed that Bins later returned and stabbed Newton several times.
At that point, Bins interjected, insisting that the prosecutor’s version was false and maintaining that he only acted out of fear after Newton shot at him.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate McGusty allowed the virtual complainant, Newton, who was present in court, to give his version. Newton, who was unable to walk and had to be assisted by an officer, told the court that he and Bins were once friends, but their relationship soured years ago when Bins allegedly stole items from his shop that belonged to a client.
Newton said that when he confronted Bins, the accused denied the theft.
He further claimed that since that incident, Bins would often insult him and had once attempted to knock down one of his employees with a car. Newton recounted that on the day in question, Bins began throwing bottles at one of his workers. He, being a licensed firearm holder, fired warning shots into the air in an attempt to defuse the situation. Despite that, Bins allegedly charged at him with a knife.
Newton said that he and a friend later went outside to head to the station to make a report when Bins returned and stabbed him multiple times in the back and on his foot.
After considering the submissions, Magistrate McGusty denied bail, citing concern for the complainant’s ongoing medical condition and the need for continued care. The matter was adjourned to October 29.