Man Charged for Severing Nephew’s Hand Granted $700,000 Bail

St. Catherine, Jamaica – A man charged with severing his nephew’s hand during a machete attack in Old Harbour last December was granted $700,000 bail with surety in the parish court today.

Jerome Pencle is charged with wounding with intent in connection with the incident, which occurred on December 5, 2024, in Bullet Tree, Old Harbour.

During the bail application, Pencle’s attorney, Kemar Robinson, argued that his client acted in self-defence.

“Your Honour, it is unfortunate that the complainant was gravely hurt, but it could have been a case where my client ended up under the ground,” Robinson told Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne.

The court was informed that an alternative address had been arranged for Pencle.

Bail was granted with the following conditions:

• Pencle must report to the May Pen Police Station every Tuesday.

• He must surrender his travel documents.

• A stop order has been placed against him, preventing him from leaving the country.

He is scheduled to reappear in court on May 15.

According to reports, on December 5, 2024, the complainant was at home when Pencle, armed with a machete, launched an attack. In an attempt to protect himself, the complainant raised his left hand, but the blow severed it.

He was rescued and rushed to the hospital, where he was admitted for treatment. Following an investigation by the Old Harbour police, Pencle was charged.

The case remains under investigation.