AC technician to pay millions in compensation as victims opt to settle case in court

A man accused in a violent altercation in 2025 is expected to pay millions in compensation after the victims agreed to settle the matter financially.
Michael Layne, an air conditioning technician of Charlestown, Georgetown, reportedly agreed to pay Rafeek Khan $3.5 million and Julian Vanlange $2.5 million.
Khan told the court that the compensation is meant to cover medical expenses and surgeries he underwent following the incident, stressing that he is not benefiting financially beyond the reimbursement of his treatment costs.
Khan told the court that he had received $500,000 in total, including $130,000 paid in court on Wednesday. Vanlange reported receiving $190,000 on one occasion and $60,000 on another, but no additional payment was made during the latest hearing.
The Magistrate noted that the matter remains under review as the settlement progresses. The case was adjourned to April 22, 2026, for a further update on payments.
Layne was charged for the August 23, 2025 wounding incidents which occurred at John Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown. Prosecutors alleged that Layne wounded Khan with intent to murder and unlawfully wounded Vanlange with intent to maim, disfigure, or cause grievous bodily harm.
The incident reportedly arose from a dispute over vehicle repairs. Layne’s car had been taken to Khan’s auto shop for repairs, and disagreements over payments escalated into a violent confrontation.
Layne allegedly armed himself with a cutlass and attacked both men, leaving them hospitalised, with one suffering the loss of a finger. During last year’s proceedings, Layne was refused bail due to the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the complainants were hospitalised.
He was later granted bail.