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Raphael Lavia in a March 27, 2023 photo.
Raphael Lavia in a March 27, 2023 photo.
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A Sandy Bay man has been brought before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court in connection to four offences he allegedly committed on the same day against a fellow villager. 

On Monday, at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, Raphael Lavia, a 30-year-old labourer, pleaded not guilty to charges that:

  • on June 7, at Sandy Bay, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Michael Providence, of Sandy Bay; 
  • he entered the dwelling house of Michael Providence as a trespasser with intent to commit an offence to wit theft; and,
  • he assaulted Michael Providence of Sandy Bay, occasioning actual bodily harm; 
  • he stole EC$200, the property of Michael Providence, of Sandy Bay.

Prosecutor, Corporal Delando Charles objected to bail, telling the court that the virtual complainant is afraid of the defendant.

Charles noted that the offences were allegedly committed against the same defendant and further told the court that the police were still trying to recover a firearm that may have been used in the alleged offences. 

He asked the court that Lavia be remanded to prison and his bail conditions be reviewed in one or two weeks, when prosecution should be able “to fully access” his situation.

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The magistrate, however, set bail in the sum of EC$4,000 with one surety. He also ordered that stop notices be placed at ports of entry and exits.

The court also ordered that Lavia surrender all his travel documents. He is to report to the Bequia Police Station on Mondays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The court also ordered that Lavia has no contact with the virtual complainant. 

Pompey had initially ordered that Lavia report to the Sandy Bay Police Station but the defendant said he is employed as an electrician in Bequia and prefers to report there.

The matter was adjourned to June 26.