A man who was attacked and chopped by his brothers 14 years ago has forgiven them and asked a court to show mercy on them.
His plea for leniency was the main reason why Justice Hayden St Clair-Douglas imposed fines and a bond on each of them.
One day after a jury was empanelled in the trial against Deo Lallan, 56, and Gunness Binda, 54, both labourers, they indicated their desire to plead guilty and the judge directed the foreman to find them guilty.
They were charged following an incident on March 29, 29, 2005. Videsh Lallan was at his Princes Town home when he and Binda began arguing.
They began throwing yellow boulders at each other.
Videsh Lallan was walking backwards when he fell to the ground. Deo Lallan then came with a brushing cutlass and chopped Videsh Lallan on his both legs.
The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for ten days.
When cautioned by PC Darryl Ramdial, Deo Lallan said, “The man run with a cutlass and fall and chop himself.” Binda said, “He run with a cutlass and get chop.”
Deo Lallan’s attorney Rekha Ramjit and Binda’s attorney Chris Seelochan said the incident stemmed from a family dispute. However, they said the brothers were remorseful and have since mended their relationship with their brother.
Both men apologised to their brother in open court and asked for forgiveness.
In passing sentence, the judge recounted the victim’s sentiments to the court in which he indicated that he attends church and he has forgiven his brothers.
Unwilling to testify against him, the victim said his brothers care for their sick father and sending them to jail is not the answer. While this is not a minor offence, the judge said the circumstances of the case does not warrant a custodial sentence.
State attorneys Hema Soorjansingh and Taterani Seecharan held a similar view.
Lallan was fined $1,500 while Binda was fined $1,000.
They were ordered to pay half the money by June 30, 2020, and the other half by December 30, 2020.
They were also bonded in the sum of $10,000 to keep the peace for two years. If they violate the bond they will serve one year in jail.