An employee attached to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) who is accused of attempting to murder his girlfriend and her eight-year-old daughter on Thursday appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, where he was arraigned for the crimes.
Thirty-two-year-old Junior Benn, a linesman, of Courtland Village, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh and was not required to plead to the indictments.
The charges stated that on April 8, 2020, at Courtland Village, Benn inflicted grievous bodily harm on Sheveika Cameron and Sojourner Johnson of Scottsburg, Upper Corentyne, Berbice, with intent to commit murder.
The court heard that Cameron and Benn shared a relationship. However, on the day in question, Cameron visited Benn’s house and an argument ensued over her phone being on vibrate every time she visited him.
This reportedly angered Benn and he hit Cameron several times to the face before slamming her to the ground in front of her 11-year-old daughter.
After seeing her mom being abused, the child attempted to help her, but Benn turned his attention on the girl, punching her to the face.
Benn then allegedly took a green liquid substance in a bottle believed to be a poisonous substance and poured it on Cameron’s face and in her mouth.
Neighbours who heard the commotion went over to investigate and saw the mother and daughter on the floor. They were picked up and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, where they were admitted.
The matter was then reported and following an investigation, Benn was arrested and charged for the offence.
Benn was remanded to prison until April 21, 2020.
