Shop owner says he was scared

Singh made the comments while testifying yesterday at the San Fernando High Court. Appearing before Justice Malcolm Holdip, Singh told the court that on November, 24, 2008 while inside his parlour, Wayne Vesprey came to purchase alcohol . He said he refused to sell Vesprey because he owed him for other items.

He said Vesprey became enraged and used obscenities towards him. Singh told the court Vesprey also threatened to rape his wife. The accused told the court that Vesprey was rocking the gate to his parlour and leaned over and “grabbed at” his wife. Singh said that he was fearful that Vesprey wanted to harm him and his wife so, he drew his gun and shot him.

“I did not aim at no specific place. It was one shot,” he said.

Singh gave evidence before a nine-member jury .Vesprey gave evidence on Wednesday that he was then a tug boat captain and had gone to the parlour to buy a phone card when an argument erupted between Singh and himself. The State is contending that Singh, also known as “Tufie”, shot Vesprey in the forehead with an air gun. Singh was charged with wounding with intent. State Attorney Stacy Laloo-Chong, together with attorney Krishna Jaglal, is prosecuting the case.

Last Wednesday, the air gun was admitted and tendered into evidence. Singh is being represented by attorney Kevin Ratiram.

Under cross-examination by Laloo-Chong, Singh admitted that he and Vesprey were friends and he would often come to the parlour and listen to music.

He also admitted that at times, when he was not selling at the parlour, he would be in the forest hunting during open season while his wife remained at the parlour. The trial continues next week.