Bus operator remanded after skipping court on felonious wounding charge

A Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, bus operator who was previously granted bail on a felonious wounding charge was remanded to prison on Tuesday after failing to appear for a scheduled court hearing.

Keyvin Cupidore appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
When his name was called, the Magistrate informed him that he had been arrested after failing to attend court on the last adjourned date. The matter had been previously postponed to this week, but Cupidore did not appear, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Addressing the court, Cupidore claimed that he had mistakenly mixed up the dates, thinking his court date was March 14. He said after checking Tuesday and noticing that the date is a Sunday, he attempted to contact the Police and his attorney. However, he said his lawyer was out of the jurisdiction at the time. He apologised to the court for his absence.
Magistrate McGusty questioned why he did not present himself to the court immediately after realising he had missed the hearing. She noted that instead of voluntarily attending, he had to be arrested.
Cupidore pleaded with the court, stating that he operates a business and would suffer losses if remanded. However, the Magistrate said that persons with businesses and responsibilities must put proper systems in place to ensure they comply with court orders.
She further remarked that there must be consequences for persons who disregard court dates and stated that remanding him would ensure the court knows his whereabouts. A representative from his attorney’s chambers later appeared and offered an explanation for his absence, but the Magistrate maintained her position and remanded him to prison. The case will continue on March 11.
Cupidore was initially charged earlier this year with felonious wounding. It is alleged that on January 2, at Roxanne Burnham Gardens, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Ceon Isaacs with intent to maim, disfigure, and cause bodily harm.
During his first appearance before Magistrate McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Cupidore pleaded not guilty to the charge.
His attorney had told the court that the virtual complainant had only recently been released from prison and allegedly attacked Cupidore over a prior dispute. The defence further stated that several persons had since come forward to the Police, indicating that Cupidore was acting in self-defence.
In applying for bail at that time, the attorney argued that the complainant was not in danger and noted that Cupidore had already spent four days in custody. The prosecution had objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and informing the court that investigations were ongoing.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate McGusty granted Cupidore $150,000 bail and adjourned the matter. It was during those adjournments that he failed to attend court, leading to the issuance of the warrant and his subsequent remand.