ORANJESTAD (AAN) – On Thursday morning, a judge of the Court of Justice found a 32-year-old man of Ecuadorian nationality, identified as I.V.C., guilty of seriously injuring another man during an incident that occurred on May 1, 2024.
The victim, identified by the initial C., suffered a deep cut to his left hand, resulting in severe nerve damage that required surgical intervention. Prosecutors had requested a two-year prison sentence, arguing that I.V.C. caused serious bodily harm using a sharp object.
However, the judge did not fully follow the prosecutor’s request. The court ruled that there was insufficient clarity regarding whether the injury caused permanent damage to the victim’s hand and therefore imposed a reduced, combined sentence.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, I.V.C. claimed he acted in self-defense, stating that the victim approached him aggressively while holding a whisky bottle. He denied stabbing the victim with a Stanley blade, asserting instead that he pushed the victim, who then fell and injured himself.
The judge questioned this version of events, noting that police found a whisky bottle at the scene that was intact. The court also heard testimony from a witness, identified as P., who stated that I.V.C. was carrying a Stanley blade (box cutter) and admitted stabbing the victim after being insulted.
According to witness statements, I.V.C. later said he threw the blade into the ocean. The victim also testified that I.V.C. had a knife in his hand during the incident. Medical reports confirmed that the victim required surgery due to the severity of the injury.
Verdict and Sentence
The judge concluded that there was sufficient evidence to prove that I.V.C. intentionally injured the victim with a sharp weapon and rejected the claim of self-defense. While acknowledging that the prosecutor’s requested sentence was excessive, the court found I.V.C. guilty of assault with a weapon.
I.V.C. was sentenced to 180 days in prison, of which 159 days are conditional, with a probation period of two years. In addition, he was ordered to complete 120 hours of community service, or alternatively serve 60 days in prison if he fails to comply.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/hudicial/castigo-combina-pa-homber-cu-a-hinca-su-victima-cu-un-blade-stanley
