Uncle charged for severing hand of nephew in St Catherine machete attack granted $800,000 bail

A St Catherine man accused of severing his nephew’s hand during a machete attack in Old Harbour was on Thursday granted $800,000 bail when he appeared in parish court.

Jerome Pencle, who is charged with wounding with intent, was granted bail with surety at a committal hearing before Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne.

During the proceedings, the court ruled that a prima facie case had been established against the accused, so he had a case to answer.

However, an issue arose regarding the status of the complainant, Shevaughn Lawes.

The Clerk of Courts indicated that information from the police suggested the complainant is deceased.

Defence attorney Kemar Robinson also told the court that reports circulating in the media indicated that Lawes had recently been found dead inside a house.

Alleyne noted that such claims amounted to hearsay at this stage and stressed that the court requires official proof of death.

The case against Pencle has been transferred to the St Catherine Circuit Court, to be heard on May 14.

Allegations are that on December 5, 2024, Pencle attacked Lawes in Bullet Tree, Old Harbour, St Catherine, while armed with a machete.

It is alleged that during the attack, the complainant raised his left hand in an attempt to defend himself, but a blow from the machete severed the limb.

Lawes was assisted to hospital, where he was admitted for treatment.

The matter was reported to the Old Harbour police, and Pencle was subsequently arrested and charged.

Rasbert Turner

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