WESTERN BUREAU:

A St James farmer accused of severing another man's hand with a machete during a quarrel over rum last year was instructed to settle his legal representation in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

O'Neil Pinnock, 22, from Maroon Town, is before the court charged with felonious wounding committed against another Maroon Town resident.

Allegations say on August 15, 2011, about 9:30 a.m., Pinnock and the complainant got into an argument over rum. A machete was used to sever the complainant's left hand.

The injured man was rushed to the Cornwall Regional Hospital by residents, where he was admitted and later transferred to the University Hospital of the West Indies for surgery.

Pinnock should have been represented by attorney-at-law Chuma Parris. However, the court was told that Pinnock had not fulfilled his financial obligations to the lawyer and had not even been to see him.

"You should at least go in and have a discussion with him (Parris)," Resident Magistrate Sandria Wong-Small chided Pinnock.

"I was working to bring the money together," Pinnock explained.

"Sir, if by know you are not in a position to put counsel in a better position to represent you, I would strongly suggest that you seek legal aid," said RM Wong-Small.

"I will do that this time," promised Pinnock.

"So you never did that the last time?" asked the magistrate.

"I couldn't find the address," said Pinnock.

"So you don't know about asking questions?" RM Wong-Small asked incredulously.

"I did ask, but nobody could direct me," answered Pinnock.

Meanwhile, the prosecution told the court that the medical certificate for the wounding case has been placed on file.

"The matter is set for mention on January 10, 2013. Pinnock's bail is extended, and that is to settle his legal representation," RM Wong-Small declared.

- C.T.