Recent Posts
“To God be the glory.” Those were the words of Christopher Ali on Thursday as he was escorted from the courtroom, limping with visible injuries, including a plaster cast on his right arm and an injured left leg reportedly sustained during his apprehension two weeks ago, in response to reporters’ questions about the serious charges he now faces.
Ali, a seaman, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded.
He faced charges of attempted murder and sexual assault involving a 15-year-old girl, who is under the age of 16 and is reportedly the mother of his child
.
The allegations stem from a violent incident on 24 February at Heatburn Village along the East Bank of Berbice, where the court heard the teenager was stabbed approximately 25 times.
The injuries left her hospitalised, with several wounds initially described as life-threatening.
During the court hearing, Police Prosecutor Sergeant Colin Clark strongly objected to bail, citing the severity of the attack and the risk posed by the accused. He told the court that Ali fled the area following the incident and remained at large for several weeks before being captured by members of the public and handed over to the police.
Concerns were also raised about the victim’s safety, as the accused reportedly lives just a few houses away from her.
The prosecution further indicated that additional legal advice is being sought, with April 16 set for the filing and serving of statements.
Ali, who appeared unrepresented, told the court he has been living at his current address since September, though he was unable to recall his lot number. He also acknowledged that he had previously appeared before the court on other matters.
In denying bail, Magistrate Matthias pointed to the seriousness of the offences, the likelihood of flight, the potential penalties, and the need to protect the victim.
Ali was remanded to prison and is expected to return to court on 16 April.
