A 12-member jury recently acquitted Stabroek Market vendor Robert Henry, also known as “Natty,” of attempted murder and the lesser charge of felonious wounding, bringing an end to a trial stemming from a 2018 stabbing incident.
Henry, who stood trial before Justice Peter Hugh at the High Court in Demerara, was found not guilty of attempted murder by a unanimous jury. On the alternative charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, the jury returned an 11–1 verdict in favour of acquittal.
Henry had pleaded not guilty to both charges, which were related to the stabbing of minibus driver Lawrence Jack on December 17, 2018, near the Stabroek Market.
According to the prosecution’s case, Jack was operating his minibus in the Stabroek area when he accidentally knocked over a tub of okra belonging to Henry. The tub reportedly toppled into a nearby drain, sparking a heated confrontation between the two men.
It was alleged that during the argument, Henry became enraged, pulled out a knife, and stabbed Jack in the chest, causing serious injury.
Despite these claims, the jury was not convinced by the evidence presented by the prosecution and ultimately acquitted Henry of all charges. Defence attorney Tonza Sarrabo represented Henry.
Following the incident, Henry was charged with attempted murder and granted bail in the sum of $200,000. A preliminary inquiry later determined that there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed, leading a magistrate to commit him to stand trial at the High Court.
