3 weeks ago
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Despite claiming he was the one attacked and left with visible injuries, 40-year-old Charles Egbert West pleaded guilty in court today to wounding the very man he says was the aggressor. West, a father of three and a labourer from the Los Lagos community, appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Ludlow Black. He was charged with wounding 23-year-old Oshane Altimond McGouron on Saturday, June 7. According to police, West intentionally and unlawfully caused a wound to McGouron during an altercation. In court, West appeared with visible injuries to his head, the outer part of his left arm, and deep cuts to the inside of his left hand and palm. He pleaded guilty, telling the magistrate that he was the one who was chopped and that he is in pain, but yet, he is guilty. Magistrate Black considered West’s guilty plea and the fact that it saved the court’s time. However, he also weighed the aggravating factor of West’s criminal history. While two previous similar charges were dismissed, they were noted. In the end, the magistrate opted for a fine rather than imprisonment. West was fined $300, plus a $5 cost of court, payable by July 31 or face three months in prison. With no outstanding balances to the court, West was free to go. Outside the courtroom, West gave a brief interview, explaining that he had been held down by a group of young men, which allowed McGouron to attack and injure him. He insisted the incident was fueled by jealousy over how he carries himself in the Los Lagos community. This is not West’s first run-in with the law. On July 26, 2024, he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of use of deadly means of harm with intent to cause grievous harm after being accused of the attempted murder of Keith Nicholas. Nicholas was stabbed twice, once in the abdomen and once in the forearm. West was ordered to pay $8,000 in compensation and was sentenced to 19 months. However, having already spent 18 months on remand, he was credited with time served and released.
English (US) ·