A St James man is scheduled to stand trial on April 28 for allegedly chopping another man on one of his hands.

Omar Stephens received his trial date on Friday when he appeared in the St James Parish Court to answer to the wounding charge. His bail was extended.

The matter was referred to mediation on the previous mention date, but when it was brought up again on Friday the court was informed that the accused man did not show up at the mediation centre.

When asked why he did not attend mediation, Stephenson stated that he was experiencing some difficulties. He explained that his wife was pregnant, had gone to hospital, and he had to drop off and pick up his young son from school.

In terms of legal representation, Stephenson told the court that he had a lawyer but he could no longer use his services.

“I did have a lawyer, but I have no money to pay him,” Stephenson explained.

Regarding the allegations against him, he stated that he was merely defending himself because the complainant had chopped at him first.

On October 24, the complainant was at a bar in Mount Carey when he and the accused got into an argument.

Stephenson and the complainant both left the bar. However, the accused man noticed the complainant on his way home and hurled a stone at him, striking him in the side.

The complainant then picked up a machete and rushed the accused, who also pulled a machete and chopped the complainant on one of his hands.