Man accused of being gay cut with knife

A St James man found himself in trouble with the law recently after he allegedly inflicted a knife wound on another man who he accused of being gay.

Theophilus McKenzie was brought before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, October 10, on a charge of unlawful wounding. He initially pleaded guilty with explanation, but the plea was altered to not guilty.

It is alleged that on September 26, the complainant was working at a restaurant when McKenzie approached him and asked him if he was gay. The complainant, in turn, asked if he and McKenzie had ever had sex before.

McKenzie took up a kitchen knife and cut the complainant on the right hand before the complainant's supervisor intervened and took both men to the police station.

When cautioned by the police, McKenzie reportedly said "Yes, it's true, but I was only trying to defend myself as they were trying to fight me off." He was subsequently arrested and charged.

In court on Wednesday, McKenzie told the court that he was defending himself, following which presiding judge Sandria Wong-Small changed his plea to one of not guilty.

McKenzie's bail was extended until December 13, when the matter will be mentioned.