Farmer charged for biting, lashing siblings

A farmer, who bit and lashed his two brothers with a piece of wood during an argument, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday to answer to an assault charge.

Ruel Henry

Twenty-year-old Ruel Henry appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied the charge which stated that on September 6, 2019 at Oronoque, Port Kaituma, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini), he unlawfully assaulted Sherwyn and Roger Henry, so as to cause them actual bodily harm.
The unrepresented man, when asked by the Magistrate why he committed the act said, “They assault me first”.
Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield informed the court that on September 6, 2019 the defendant and his two brothers had an argument, which resulted in a fight.
The court further heard that the defendant bit Sherwyn, then armed himself with a wood and dealt both Sherwyn and Roger several lashes.
The Magistrate released the farmer on self-bail and the case was adjourned to November 6 at Matthews Ridge Magistrates’ Courts.
Henry was also placed on a bond to keep the peace until the hearing and conclusion of the trial.