Court again denies bail for man accused of savage cutlass attack on elderly partner

– investigation complete as prosecution awaits DPP’s advice

More than five months after his arrest, a 60-year-old taxi driver accused of attempting to murder his elderly common-law wife remains behind bars, after the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court once again denied him bail on Friday.

Keith Williams, who has been on remand since November 13, 2024, made his latest court appearance before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty. The prosecution informed the court that the police investigation has been completed, but legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is still outstanding.
Despite the conclusion of the investigation, the prosecution continued to object to bail, citing concerns that Williams may interfere with the virtual complainant if released. As a result, Magistrate McGusty upheld the objection and further remanded him until April 30, when the prosecution is expected to disclose statements in the matter.
Williams is accused of a brutal cutlass attack on his 74-year-old partner, Deanna Bourne in November of last year. A case that has horrified the public due to the extent of the violence and the devastating injuries inflicted on the victim.
Williams was first charged in November 2024 with attempted murder, after he allegedly chopped Bourne multiple times with a cutlass during a domestic dispute. The attack occurred at their shared residence following an argument. According to court reports, Williams had been denied entry to the house by Bourne, but was eventually let in by their 17-year-old granddaughter. He then entered Bourne’s bedroom, reignited the argument, and soon after returned with a cutlass from his car. He allegedly inflicted several chops to her head, face, arms, and chest while she was in bed.

Bourne was left critically injured and unable to speak. Williams reportedly attempted to flee the scene but was intercepted by bystanders, still clutching the weapon. He was arrested and remanded to prison on November 13.
During a previous court appearance on January 30, Williams’ attorney had pleaded for bail, citing his deteriorating health. The lawyer told the court that Williams suffers from an enlarged prostate and requires a tube and bag to urinate. She also noted that Bourne had since been discharged from the hospital, and that Williams was not a flight risk.
However, the prosecution firmly objected to his release, emphasising that the elderly victim remains severely impaired, physically and mentally, as a result of the attack. To support this, the court heard emotional testimony from the victim’s daughter, Samantha Bourne.
Outside the courtroom in January, Samantha and her sister Coretta Grant provided further details of their mother’s condition. They revealed that Bourne had undergone two surgeries since the attack, with a third procedure pending. The incident has also taken a toll on their teenage niece, who discovered her grandmother bleeding in bed and remains traumatised.
Adding to the gravity of the case, the prosecution had disclosed in earlier hearings that Williams admitted to police that he was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the attack.
Williams remains in custody as the case progresses.