Sophia man arraigned for setting girlfriend on fire

Just days after he attempted to kill his girlfriend by setting her on fire, 25-year-old Wazim Perreira of Sophia, Greater Georgetown was on Friday arraigned for the heinous crime when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The matter which was brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan was held in-camera.
Nevertheless, Guyana Times understands that the accused was not required to plea to the allegation which read that on September 9, 2019, at Sophia, with intent to commit murder, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded the woman
According to information, around 13:00h on the day in question, the defendant visited the victim and requested to speak to her; however, the victim refused to do so. As such the accused left.
Sometime later, Perreira returned to the victim’s home with a container containing gasoline which he allegedly threw on her and set her alight.
As a result of this, the injured woman started to scream which caught the attention of neighbours, who went to her rescue and rushed her to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Meanwhile, the accused, who was attempting to make good his escape, was apprehended by public-spirited persons and handed over to the Police.
The Police Prosecutor objected to Perreira being granted bail on the grounds of the serious nature of the charge and the penalty it attracts.
The court also heard that the victim remains hospitalised and is currently being treated for second degree burns to her face, chest, abdomen and back.
As such, Perreira was remanded to prison and is expected to make his next court appearance until September 25, 2019.