BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DENZIL FRANCE, victim of a stabbing incident, appeared undecided yesterday (May 19) as to whether he should accept compensation in the criminal case or file a civil suit against his attacker.
France was unlawfully wounded on January 5, 2008 by New Road resident Kardin Jeffers. Jeffers was originally charged with “wounding with intent” and was indicted with an alternative count of “unlawful wounding”. He pleaded guilty to the alternative.
The offence was committed at a popular night spot known as The Strip. According to the facts of the case presented by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paulina Hendrickson, while at The Strip, the virtual complainant (VC) “brushed” on the accused which resulted in an altercation.
During the altercation, Jeffers stabbed the VC “multiple times” in his chest, back and hand. In addition to the stab wounds, France suffered a collapsed lung and a possible spinal damage.
Both parties were present yesterday for Jeffers’ sentencing hearing, where his lawyer, Jason Hamilton, presented a plea in mitigation.
He said it was not the first time the two men had an altercation, adding that Jeffers has had reason to file reports at the Stapleton Police Station against France. He also indicated that, according to instructions he received from his client, the threats and attacks Jeffers received at the hands of France stemmed from a relationship he (Jeffers) had with the VC’s girlfriend. This union, Hamilton explained, produced one child who is now three years old.
Hamilton forwarded to the court that on the night of the incident, Jeffers was not the aggressor; he reacted in an attempt to defend himself against France. Defence counsel drew to the court’s attention that contrary to the DPP’s account of the incident, the VC did not receive multiple stab wounds but only three; one to the hand, one to his chest and one to his back.
He asked the court to temper justice with mercy and show his client - who is a perfect candidate for reform - some leniency.
Jeffers’ guardian, Janice Amory, attested to his hardships and told the court of the times she had to accompany him to file complaints against France or his relatives.
The VC told the court that as a result of the incident, he spent close to $2 400 in doctor and hospital fees and lost approximately $2 000 in wages. He was offered a compensatory fee of $12 000 by His Lordship Justice Francis Belle – to be paid by Jeffers – but he expressed reluctance in accepting the sum and explained that he would feel more comfortable with $25 000.
His Lordship’s final decision was that Jeffers has to pay $14 000 compensation to France within the next 14 months or serve 18 months imprisonment at Her Majesty’s Prison. He is also to pay a $6 000 fine in nine months of serve 18 months imprisonment.
SKNVibes understands that France agreed with and accepted the compensatory sum.
