Man charged with chopping off nephew's hand granted $800,000 bail

A St Catherine man accused of chopping off his nephew's hand in a brutal machete attack has been granted $800,000 bail.

Jerome Pencle, who is charged with wounding with intent, was granted bail with surety when he appeared before Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne during a committal hearing on Thursday.

But the case took a dramatic turn when questions arose about the status of the complainant, Shevaughn Lawes.

The Clerk of Courts told the court that information from the police suggested that Lawes is deceased, while defence attorney Kemar Robinson pointed to reports circulating in the media that the man was recently found dead inside a house.

However, Judge Alleyne made it clear that such claims could not be accepted without proof, noting that the reports currently amount to hearsay and that the court requires official confirmation.

Despite the uncertainty, the court ruled that a prima facie case had been established against Pencle, meaning he will have to answer to the charges.

The case has since been transferred to the St Catherine Circuit Court and is set for mention on May 14.

Allegations are that on December 5, 2024, Pencle launched a violent attack on Lawes in Bullet Tree, Old Harbour, while armed with a machete.

During the incident, Lawes reportedly raised his left hand in an attempt to defend himself, but the weapon struck with such force that it severed the limb.

He was rushed to hospital, where he was admitted for treatment, and the matter was reported to the Old Harbour police, leading to Pencle's arrest and charge.

- Rasbert Turner

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