| Young Man Leaves Little Brother to Face Trial |
| By Teshell Samuel |
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Kasim Buchannan being taken to Her Majesty's Prison |
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Jan. 25 -- The eldest of two brothers charged with causing grievous bodily harm has opted out of trial, leaving his younger brother to face a jury alone.
Chadin and Kasim Buchanan appeared before the Basseterre High Court this week, both charged with wounding with intent and unlawful wounding as an alternate charge for their involvement in an alleged assault that took place in November, 2009 in Sandy Point.
The elder brother, Chadin Buchanan, who is currently serving a seven year sentence for robbery, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty of unlawful wounding yesterday (Jan. 24), accepting the lesser of the two charges brought against him. Kasim, who went before the court without legal counsel, decided to take his chances with a jury. He now stands accused of wounding Leroy Veira with intent of doing him serious harm.
Veira testified that he was attacked by two men as he attempted to help a female friend who owns a restaurant he frequents, at her home in Sandy Point. He said while on Station Street someone, who he later identified as Chadin Buchanan, kicked him in his back causing him to fall to the ground. He said the older Buchanan then held him while he was on the ground allowing Kasim to beat and kick him in his face and other parts of his body as he lay defenseless. Veira explained that the two beat him unconscious and when he came to he went to the home of the female friend then on to the Pogson’s Hospital. He was later transported to JNF Hospital in Basseterre where he was treated and warded for the injuries that he sustained as a result of the beating.
Two other witnesses gave similar testimony during the trial. One male witness however indicated that what he saw was a fight between Kasim Buchanan and Leroy Veira that later led to the beating as told by the victim.
Kasim Buchanan, in his defense, accused the three witnesses of conspiring against him by bringing him to trial for something he did not do. He continuously questioned the witnesses on whether they had seen him stab or chop Veira during the assault, trying to ascertain why he was on trial for wounding and not for causing grievous bodily harm, the charge that was initially brought against him at the time of his arrest.
Trial continues today when Kasim Buchannan can choose to take the stand and give evidence. The investigative officer in the case is also expected to be cross examined today. Surgeon, Dr. Cameron Wilkinson will also testify on his medical findings of Veira’s post-assault examination.
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