Chateaubelair resident remanded on alleged assault

Rashuan Stephens, a Chateaubelair resident, has been remanded, pending the medical report on a Rose Hall man he allegedly struck with a stone.

When he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias on Wednesday, Stephens was charged that on May 28, 2017 at Rose Bank, he caused grievous bodily harm on Gilanzo Stephens of Rose Hall.

Since the charge was indictable, he was not required to enter a plea.

However, senior prosecutor Adolphus Delpesche objected to bail, before informing the court that the victim is still warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), being treated for a blow to his forehead with a stone.

Delpesche said the victim’s injury form says there is a fracture of the frontal bone, adding that the doctor has described the injury as very serious, with the victim slipping in and out of consciousness.

He added that he could only pray that Gilanzo recovers.

However, defence lawyer Israel Bruce said he has a problem with the way officers report the injuries, while not presenting a medical form to the court.

Bruce added that while he is not questioning the integrity of the officers, they must present such documents to the court if they are making a report.

Stephens was remanded for seven days, pending a progress report on the victim. The possibility of bail will be considered then.

Bruce also asked that a written report be presented to court on that day.