Woman charged in hot soup incident granted bail

A woman from Union Island who allegedly burned another woman with hot soup was granted bail when she appeared in court on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

Venus Porter appeared at the Serious Offences Court before Senior Magistrate, Colin John charged that on August 2, 2024 at Ashton, Union Island she did unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to Vishma Browne of Ashton, Union Island with intent so to do.

John informed Porter that the offence was laid indictably so she was not required to plea. The prosecutor objected to Porter’s bail noting that Browne is still warded at hospital. She asked that Porter be remanded for seven days. The arresting officer informed the court that Browne suffered “severe” and “very serious” injuries as a result of the incident.

He said that Browne is currently at the Female Surgical Ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), and that her skin had come off due to burns that run from the back of her head to her neck and lower back. He also said that the burns were a result of an alleged altercation. Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, who represented the accused disagreed with the objection to bail of PC 754 Harry, and pointed out that the injuries are not life threatening and that Porter was acting in self-defence. She added that Porter never had a problem in court, and she volunteered her services to many geriatrics in Union Island. Bacchus-Baptiste argued that the prosecution must present a medical form, as one had not been submitted.

“It’s a burn. It may be a serious burn, but it’s not life threatening,” Bacchus-Baptiste reiterated. She said as well that Porter is not a flight risk and had already voluntarily surrendered her passport. The lawyer asked the court to grant bail to her client and that reporting conditions be attached. Porter was granted bail in the sum of $15,000 with one surety.

Bacchus-Baptiste informed the court that Porter was displaced to Chateaubelair because her home in Union Island was destroyed by Hurricane Beryl. The Senior Magistrate therefore ordered that Porter reports to the Chateaubelair Police Station every Wednesday between 8 a.m and 8 p.m, and that she surrenders all travel documents. The matter is adjourned to October 2, 2024.