Latest update November 5th, 2024 1:00 AM
Kwame Mc Coy to face three charges for attack on Benschop
Former PPP Information Liaison Kwame McCoy is scheduled to appear in court today on three charges
Kwame Mc Coy
related to his alleged March 2011 attack on political activist Mark Benschop.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed that McCoy will be charged with assault, damage to property and simple larceny.
The simple larceny charge reportedly concerns the alleged disappearance of a computer belonging to Benschop.
Mc Coy was placed on station bail after being questioned last week about the incident. Police subsequently sought legal advice on the matter.
Following an appeal by Benschop last February, police had reopened investigations into his claims that Mc Coy and associates had assaulted him and vandalized his vehicle. However, police were unable to locate the file and took new statements.
Benschop has identified Mc Coy as one of the individuals who assaulted him, smashed his vehicle windows, and made off with items from the vehicle.
That incident allegedly occurred outside McCoy’s Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara home, while Benschop was attempting to take photographs of McCoy’s residence.
The political activist had stated that he ran an online radio and a website, and was investigating reports that McCoy was building a house worth $100M, with a swimming pool worth $20M–$30M.
He alleged that while he was taking the photographs, McCoy “charged” into him. He said that two other individuals came from McCoy’s home and tried to take his camera.
Mark Benschop standing near his damaged vehicle (file photo)
According to Benschop, he was forced to flee for safety after McCoy and his associates surrounded his vehicle. He eventually returned to discover that the windows of his vehicle were smashed and his computer and other valuables were missing.
A resident who said he witnessed the attack, had recalled seeing Benschop’s pickup stop near to McCoy’s property. He said that Benschop began “videoing” the house from the roadway. The eyewitness alleged that shortly after, McCoy drove up in his vehicle, and Benschop turned the camera on McCoy.
According to the man, McCoy then attempted to snatch the camera.
He alleged that McCoy then exited the vehicle and grabbed Benschop, who wrested himself free and fled the scene on foot.
He told reporters that after Benschop left, McCoy picked up a cement block and smashed the windscreen of the pickup. McCoy allegedly then entered Benschop’s vehicle and removed a bag and other articles, which were allegedly taken into McCoy’s home.
The eyewitness alleged that two men then came out of the premises with hammers and smashed the other windows of the pickup.
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