The owner of the Tourist Villa Hotel, located at Fifth Avenue Subryanville, Kitty was today granted $1.5M bail for the unlawful killing of his neighbour, Jason De Florimonte on August 4.
Erwin Bacchus of Fifth Avenue Subryanville appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with the offence of manslaughter.
The businessman was represented by Attorneys-at-Law Nigel Hughes and Glenn Hanoman. In his bail application, Hughes said he client acted in self-defence.
It is the defence’s case that on the day in question, there was an altercation in the hotel parking lot between the hotel’s handyman and De Florimonte after the handyman caught him beating his girlfriend.
Hughes told the court that De Florimonte armed himself with a knife and rolling pin and attacked the handyman, who ran inside the hotel when Bacchus drew his licenced firearm and fired two warning shots to the ground.
“The deceased [De Florimonte] told my client that he don’t care and continued chasing the handyman,” Attorney Hughes informed the Magistrate.
During the ordeal, it is alleged that De Florimonte attempted to stab Bacchus with the knife when he was shot multiple times.
Police Prosecutor, Vivian Adolph made no objection to bail but requested that it be granted in a substantial amount. The police’s version of the incident is similar to that of the defence.
The case is adjourned to August 29. Bacchus was ordered to lodge his passport and refrain from making contact with De Florimonte’s relative.
He also has to report every Monday and Friday to the Kitty Police Station.