Antigua: Man faces over 10 years in prison for wounding two
A 30-year-old man is set to serve a 10-year and 5-month prison term following a violent incident that unfolded during an attempt to communicate with his estranged wife.
On July 14, 2022, Shajah Joyce, under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, approached the residence where his wife was staying.
The situation quickly escalated as Joyce first stabbed the family dog and subsequently used the same knife to gain entry through the bathroom window.
Once inside, he entered his wife's bedroom, physically restraining her. However, she managed to break free and called for help, prompting her sister to rush to her aid.
When the sister turned on the lights, she witnessed Joyce on top of her sister, wielding a brown-handled knife and wearing gloves.
Joyce rushed at the woman and swung the knife, cutting her on the right side of her face and chin. A struggle ensued, leading to additional stab wounds for the sister.
The disturbance alerted the homeowner, who confronted Joyce and was also stabbed. However, the homeowner fought back, grabbing a cutlass and striking Joyce.
The female victim suffered 13 lacerations, while the male victim sustained a neck injury.
Although Joyce admitted to wounding the two individuals in October last year, he claimed in court on Friday that his intent was not to harm anyone but merely to communicate with his wife.
The wife corroborated this account, pleading for leniency. However, her testimony came too late, as she had previously informed a probation officer about her intense fear of the accused.
Consequently, Justice Ann-Marie Smith handed down a sentence of 10 years and 5 months in prison for both counts of wounding, to be served concurrently.
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