A father of eight whom the court heard dealt a woman several stabs about her body after she told his wife he was “hustling” her was today slapped with a wounding charge and released on bail.
Hillary George, 48, of Port Kaituma, North West, pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge which stated that on June 8, 2019 at Port Kaituma, North West, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Gillian James, causing her grievous bodily harm.
Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Shellon Daniels stated that the defendant and the victim are known to each other since the woman is a frequent visitor to the defendant’s home.
On the day in question, George was at home with his wife when his step-daughter invited James to the residence to consume alcohol. However, shortly after, the victim began telling the defendant’s wife that he was making sexual advances towards her.
The court heard an argument then ensued between George and James and he became annoyed, broke a bottle, and dealt the woman several stabs about her body. The victim was then rushed to the Port Kaituma Hospital where she was seen by a doctor and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The defendant was then arrested and admitted in a caution statement to the offence.
However, George in his explanation to the court stated “She [James] told my wife I hustle she and is nah like that. She trying to break up my marriage. The night I passing on the step and she lash me first so I break the bottle and stab her.”
The magistrate, after listening to the defendant, changed his plea to not guilty.
The change of plea caused the prosecutor to object to bail being granted to the defendant on the grounds of the serious nature of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts. The prosecutor also highlighted the fact that the woman is still hospitalised in a serious condition.
However, the magistrate released George on $150,000 bail and instructed him to report to the Matthew’s Ridge Police Station until the hearing and determination of the trial. The father of eight is expected to make his next court appearance on August 16, 2019.
