By FARRAH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
TWO men who claimed they stabbed a third man in self-defence were yesterday remanded to prison pending their bail hearing.
Jarod Scott, 22, and James Pratt, 20, were arrested in connection with the stabbing of an Eastern Road man on August 7.
The men were charged with grievous harm when they appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville.
The court was told that around 8.18pm on the night in question, Sergeant 1790 Russell received reports of the victim requesting police action after being stabbed multiple times. The prosecution said after an investigation was launched, Scott and James were cautioned and arrested. When they were questioned in police custody, they both owned up to the offence.
When further investigations were conducted, an officer visited Princess Margaret Hospital where he showed the complainant a 12-man photo line-up and the man identified both defendants. According to prosecutors, the victim’s hospital form indicated his injuries were serious and could possibly be fatal.
Yesterday, Scott told the magistrate that he and the complainant had had an argument on the day in question. He and Pratt were walking when the complainant drove past and started jeering at them. Scott said when he responded to the man, he turned his car around and attempted to knock him down with it. He also alleged that at one point the victim got out of his car to confront him.
Pratt also told the magistrate that he had also received threats from the complainant during a previous disagreement and was only trying to protect himself during the altercation.
After listening to their explanations, Magistrate Servile said the accused were suggesting they were in fear of their lives when they acted.
As a result, he recorded two not guilty pleas on their behalf.
Before the question of bail could be considered, Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom objected on the grounds that the complainant was still hospitalised and his condition was uncertain.
As a result, Magistrate Serville said he would defer the determination of the defendants’ bails to August 16 to give the court an opportunity to get an update on the victim’s condition.
Scott and Pratt were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until that time.
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