Latest update January 15th, 2025 3:45 AM
Mar 28, 2012 News
The criminal matter against Information and Press Liaison to the President, Kwame McCoy, was yesterday
adjourned for another date when it was again called before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
McCoy, a prominent government official, is facing two charges of assault causing actual bodily harm. It was said that he maliciously and unlawfully wounded Clifton Stewart and Natalie Ross. He was also charged for the use of threatening language towards Stewart.
Stewart was allegedly smacked across the head by McCoy with a handgun. McCoy also allegedly struck the second victim, Ross, with his vehicle.
In court, Stewart, after hearing the new date, expressed his frustration and dis-satisfaction over the length of time that the matter was taking. He said that the allegations took place since November last year but to date, there is no progress.
He also said that because of the incident and the court appearances, he is unable to work and is currently unemployed. He also said that he is a seaman employed with foreign vessels.
The Court then assured Stewart that the matter would get on the way on the next occasion as there are more pressing matters now before the court. Stewart was told that a date was being set when his matter could be heard without interruptions from other matters.
And although the court assured the victim that his matter was equally important, the hearing had to be put on hold for those who are locked away in prison. The court was booked for the day taking on matters such as Colin Jones and company and the Neesa Gopaul hearing.
The court did also assure Stewart that on the new date, witnesses will be available and the prosecution would be directed to close the matter following the testimony of the witnesses. The parties were then instructed to return to court on May 28th for the commencement of the trial.
On the last occasion the matter was called, McCoy had failed to present himself in time for his matter forcing the court to warn of an arrest warrant if he was tardy again.
His attorney, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos had said the last time the matter was called, that he did not know where McCoy was and since his first appearance in court he had not seen his client.
Yesterday, McCoy sat quietly in the courtroom as he awaited his matter, but his attorney was absent.
The government official is accused of assaulting and wounding the two victims prior to the General and Regional Elections 2011. It was reported that during the erection of posters for the opposing parties’ Presidential Candidates, the persons ended up in an exchange of words resulting in McCoy allegedly wounding the complainants.
McCoy on November 12 at Norton Street, allegedly lashed Stewart with a firearm resulting in the man having to seek medical attention. He also reportedly threatened Stewart telling him that he was a marked man and he should watch himself.
McCoy allegedly hit Ross with his car rendering the woman unconscious, also causing her to be hospitalised for a few days. In this matter, at the first hearing, Defense Lawyer, Basil Williams, had told the court that the charge should be amended to attempted murder as McCoy struck down the woman and did not offer his assistance, but instead sped off.
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