Teenager provoked into attacking woman

A 14-year-old boy of Paul’s Avenue got so angry after a woman called him a homosexual that he attacked her with a pair of scissors.{{more}}

The boy appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, August 17, and pleaded guilty to wounding the virtual complainant.

The court heard that the woman was in the vicinity of the Yankee’s Bar on August 15 when the woman saw the young boy acting effeminately and then called him a homosexual.

Hearing the woman’s comments, the boy ran to her and attempted to stab her. As her attacker tried to inflict injuries to her, the woman held her hand up and sustained a wound to her arm.

Senior Magistrate Donald Browne withdrew the matter against the young man stating that the woman was the architect of her own downfall. “To tell this boy something like this is more than provocation…How does she know how homosexuals behave? She started it and the court is satisfied you were provoked in a bad way,” Browne stated.

However, Browne had a stern warning for the young boy. “You took the law into your own hands. You should have reported the matter to the police…don’t do it again,” Browne warned.

The lanky lad told the court that he used to attend the Bethel High School but was expelled for being involved in a fight.

Browne ordered that he receive counselling at least once a week and assistance should be sought for him to get back into school. (KW)