Choppins man, charged with chopping cousin with lawnmower blade, granted bail

Charged with chopping his cousin on the feet with a lawnmower blade, a Choppins man was granted bail at the Serious Offences Court yesterday.

Phavis Joseph, 20 years, was first brought before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last week Wednesday, where the charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Terry Dover, 20 years, of Choppins, was read to him.

The matter is for preliminary inquiry and he therefore was not required to plea to the charge. However, there was an objection to his bail at this point, Prosecutor Corlene Samuel saying that Dover was still hospitalized.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett indicated that since this was the case, it would follow that Joseph should be remanded.

After spending four days in custody, the defendant appeared before the Serious Offences Court for bail review yesterday.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpesche informed that the prosecution would not be objecting to bail anymore, since the victim is out of the hospital.

He asked for a number of conditions to be placed on bail.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias granted bail in the sum of $7,000, with one surety. Joseph must report to the Calliaqua police station every Monday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and is to have no contact with Dover.

His travel documents were stipulated to be surrendered to the court, and he must gain permission if he wishes to leave the state.

The preliminary inquiry will start on September 18.

Joseph could not make bail before court adjourned for the day, and was taken away in police transport.

Reports are that Dover was chopped at 6 am, in Choppins, while on his way home from a wet fete.