By Latrishka Thomas
Evidence presented Thursday in an ongoing attempted murder trial revealed blood traces found during the police investigation of the alleged assault that occurred at Dove Trail Beach in January, 2020.
The case revolves around accusations that a young man lured a man 10 years his senior to the location under the pretence of a sexual encounter but, instead, attempted to kill him.
The crime scene photographer’s evidence, presented to the court, documented blood on multiple areas of the suspect’s vehicle, including the wheel, right door, and passenger seat.
A small pool of blood was also visible on the roadway at Dove Trail.
Additional testimony came from the investigating constable, who detailed interviews conducted with both parties. According to the constable’s testimony, while the accused initially denied friendship with the complainant, he later acknowledged being picked up by the victim and travelling to Yeptons, where he claimed he wounded the man, whom he knew was a homosexual, in response to unwanted advances.
The officer also said he confiscated the bloody kitchen knife, which was used in the attack, from the accused. The witness said that the accused admitted to taking up that weapon for protection.
Background evidence presented earlier in the trial, which commenced on Monday, revealed that the relationship between the accused and the complainant began in 2018 when the accused was 17 and the complainant was around 27.
Their interaction, primarily through social media, included requests from the accused for various favours, including the purchase of an iPhone.
Screenshots showed a complex history of communications between the two individuals. Text messages revealed that while the complainant had made sexual advances, the accused had expressed discomfort with intimate contact.
Despite initial reservations, the accused later proposed sexual arrangements, including an offer to provide intimate photographs for $5000; however the complainant refused.
He eventually loaned the accused $100 but that became a point of contention because the accused could not find the cash to clear his debt.
He therefore agreed to have sexual intercourse with the complainant but when they did meet, the accused used a knife to inflict an injury to the victim’s neck and other parts of his body.
The medical evidence presented indicated that the victim sustained several injuries, most notably a 10-centimeter laceration near the carotid artery, which medical professionals classified as life-threatening. Additional injuries were documented on the victim’s back, thigh, calf, shoulder, and elbow.
The defence, led by Attorney Michael Archibald, maintains that the accused acted in response to feeling coerced when attempting to withdraw consent.
The trial is scheduled to continue with a site visit to the location of the incident.
About The Author
