A man who allegedly attacked an elderly man by throwing a stone at him and breaking one of his legs after accusing him of trespassing on his farm is preparing to go to trial.

Anthony Roseway was initially charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, but the charge was reduced to assault occasioning bodily harm when the case was heard by sitting parish judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley on Wednesday.

During the sitting, the court was told that the parties had known each other their entire lives.

Allegations are that on February 24, the complainant was going about his business when he encountered Roseway, who asked him about him going on his farm.

An argument ensued, and Roseway allegedly threw a stone at the elderly man, breaking his right foot.

Roseway added that there were concerns about the complainant going on his farm despite his warnings.

In light of the accused man’s claims, Smith-Ashley concluded that the case was appropriate for mediation and temporarily deferred the case to allow the parties to speak with a mediator, who was present in court.

When the case was revisited, the court was informed that the parties had failed to reach an amicable settlement, causing the judge to place the matter on the trial list.

“Sir, because you never sort it out through mediation and he (accused) is saying he is not guilty, the matter will have to be tried, but we are not ready yet because the doctor’s certificate is not ready,” the judge told the complainant.

The judge then scheduled the case for mention on May 18, anticipating that the doctor’s certificate would be made available to the court.

Roseway’s bail was extended.