Wakeem Guishard pleaded not guilty to being armed with an offensive weapon and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm when he appeared before the Magistrate's Court on April 12, 2013. Photo: VINO/File

Wakeem Guishard, 25, pleaded not guilty to charges of being armed with an offensive weapon with the intent to commit a criminal offence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The defendant was represented by attorney at law, Jamal Smith.

According to the allegations read by Senior Crown Counsel Sarah Benjamin, the defendant went to Banners Snackette in Carrot Bay at about 6:30 P.M. where he usually hangs out. A young lady reportedly came to the bar and asked the defendant to purchase a drink. The defendant then reportedly asked the bartender, who is the Virtual Complainant (VC), to give the young lady a drink and the bartender reportedly refused; the basis for the refusal was that the drink needed to be paid for firstly.

The defendant reported became angered by this and as a result attempted to go behind the bar to get the drink. The VC then blocked the area, preventing the defendant from going behind the bar. The defendant then allegedly bumped his chest into the VC and left.

Upon his return, he was allegedly armed with a machete which he swung at the VC who tried to defend himself by raising his left arm.

The defendant was allegedly struck on his arm and received a cut and swelling to the area where he was hit. A report was made to the Police and the VC reportedly went to hospital to receive treatment.

The court further heard that on December 1, 2012 the defendant went to the West End Police station and was informed of the report made by the VC and was cautioned. At this point he reportedly said, “Francis (VC) pushed me first and I was defending myself.”

He was asked where the machete was and said he threw it in the garbage and did not remember where he threw it. He was then informed that he would be charged for the offence.

Reasonable bail was requested for the self-employed construction worker given the fact that he was a father of five and the sole provider of his dependents.

Senior Magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of $35,000 signed bail with one surety and asked that no contact be made with the VC in any form.

The accused will return to court on May 24, 2013.