News

Age saves minor from 5-year sentence for wounding man

ONE MAN DANCED with death when a 17-year-old boy tried to cut his throat for dancing with a girl the accused liked.

It is alleged that the minor, who pleaded guilty to wounding in the Corporate Area RM Court, approached the man who was dancing with a girl and was brushed aside.

He then went behind the complainant and threatened to throw a drink in the complainant's face. The complainant then left the venue and the accused went after him and tried to cut his throat with a knife.

When the complainant tried to run away, the accused stabbed him in the side and when the complainant fell, he tried to stab him again. The accused was restrained by persons who were present.

The accused's father who accompanied him to court, said when his son told him about the incident he told him not to do it again.

"Did you know that the only saving grace is his age? He should be going off for five years - that's how serious it is," said RM Martin Gayle.

At first, RM Gayle wanted to delay sentencing until another date, but then he said, "I am thinking of keeping him until his next hearing date, to reflect upon life. He should go there and think about what could have been."

Father cried

The father said his son had to stop attending school because he had to stay home with his younger brother while his father worked as a taxi-driver. "He used to go to HEART and him leave and him have to stay home with him little brother," the father said, starting to cry.

RM Gayle told the probation officer present to assist the accused to find a trade, "Just find something for him to do." However, he "must not be seen on the road after 6 p.m. or interfere with the man, or he will be placed back into custody."

He is to reappear on May 19.