Hung jury in assault case

Thomas, 29, was on trial before Justice Anthony Carmona and a nine-member jury in the San Fernando High Court, charged with wounding Brian Broadbelt with intent to do him grievous bodily harm on September 11, 2004.

after the mandatory three hours of deliberating yesterday, however, the jury failed to reach a unanimous decision. The foreman told Carmona they were stuck at six to three. Carmona subsequently ordered a retrial and discharged the jurors.

Thomas, who walks with a pair of crutches, is alleged to have stabbed Broadbelt at 12.30 am during an argument with him at Milette Street, Point Fortin.

Broadbelt, according to the State’s case, tried to block with his left hand and was stabbed in the wrist.

However, Thomas testified that Broadbelt had attacked him with the knife and, during a struggle, was stabbed accidentally.

The State’s case was prosecuted by State counsel Joan Paul Honore. Attorney Roger Ramgolam defended Thomas.