Victim remanded by Judge after refusing to testify in attempted murder trial

…released from custody hours later

A legal drama unfolded on Tuesday at the High Court when Justice Peter Hugh remanded Compton Charles, a virtual complainant, to prison after he refused to testify in a trial stemming from a brutal wounding incident.
Charles, who was the virtual complaint in the case, had initially recounted a harrowing experience on November 1, 2013, when he was viciously attacked at Graham’s Hall, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The accused, Shawn Embleton, has been charged with the attempted murder of Charles.
Charles had told investigators that on the day of the incident, he was moving out of his rented residence in Graham’s Hall with $1.7 million his possession. As he walked towards a nearby corner, Embleton, known to Charles, allegedly drove up and rammed his car into Charles, knocking him down.
Charles claimed he was further attacked from behind as he lay on the ground. Embleton allegedly kicked him repeatedly while shouting abusive language.
In his testimony, Charles said he was stomped on the chest, desperately trying to shield himself as his assailant picked up a piece of wood and began striking him, breaking bones in his hand and finger.
Charles said he lost consciousness during the attack and later awoke at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) on November 8, 2013. The extent of his injuries was severe, requiring surgical intervention to remove bone fragments from his hand. The physical assault left him with a deep psychological impact as well.
When the trial resumed on Tuesday, however, Charles informed the court that he will no longer give evidence, a move that prompted Justice Hugh to warn him about potential imprisonment for not cooperating with the proceedings. Despite the judge’s warnings, Charles remained adamant in his refusal, leading to his remand to the Lusignan Prison. However, just an hour later, the judge reversed the decision, allowing Charles to leave.
Prosecutors Delon Fraser and Mikel Puran are continuing the case, with nine witnesses already testifying against Embleton. The case, which centers on the attempted murder charge under Section 103(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, continues today. (G9)