Bjorn Burke, STAR Writer

A 48-year-old man accused of stabbing his common-law wife was granted bail when he appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Charged with wounding with intent is Jevaughn Cunningham.

Allegations are that on the August 10, at approximately 10:40 p.m., Cunningham and his 35-year-old common-law wife got into a dispute regarding her attempts to discontinue their relationship. It is alleged that the accused used a knife to stab the complainant several times all over her body, causing her to bleed profusely. The complainant, who did not show up in court, reportedly spent several days in the Kingston Public Hospital for treatment.

According to Cunningham, he was fraught with distress when he noticed that, on numerous occasions, his long-time companion would leave their dwelling for extended periods and not return until much later.

Estranged companion

In court, Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey probed the matter.

"Who is she to you?," asked RM Pusey.

"My baby mother," Cunningham replied.

Cunningham told the court that he had been with his estranged companion for 12 years before the relationship turned sour.

"I love her, Your Honour, 12 years. I wash, mi cook..." a distraught Cunningham shared.

"You have to take sleep and mark death. Look what is going to happen to you? You going to end up in prison! And if she dies, you can be charged for murder!" RM Pusey chided.

The court heard that Cunningham turned himself into the Glengoffe, St Catherine police days after the incident. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

RM Pusey granted the accused man bail in the sum of $200,000 with surety. He is to return to court on October 7, pending a mention hearing.

A fingerprint order was also made against him.