Man accused of stabbing teen mother 25 times remanded, also charged with sexual assault

A 28-year-old man accused of stabbing a 15-year-old mother some 25 times was on Thursday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court, where he was also charged with sexually assaulting a minor.

Christopher Ali, a seaman, appeared unrepresented as the charges were read to him. It is alleged that on February 24, along the East Bank of Berbice, he attempted to murder the teenager.

A second charge alleges that Ali sexually assaulted the same victim, who is under the age of 16 and is the mother of his child.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Colin Clark objected to bail, telling the court that the victim sustained approximately 25 stab wounds during the attack. He argued that Ali posed a flight risk, noting that he fled the jurisdiction following the incident and was only apprehended months later.

The prosecutor further raised concerns about the safety of the victim, informing the court that the accused resides just a few houses away from her. He also indicated that the prosecution is awaiting further legal advice and requested April 16 for statements to be filed and served.

Ali told the court that he is a seaman and has been living at his current address since September, but could not recall his lot number. He also indicated that this was not the first time he had been charged before the court.

In refusing bail, Magistrate Matthias cited the seriousness of the offences, the risk of flight, the potential penalty, and concerns for the victim’s safety. Ali was remanded to prison and is expected to return to court on April 16.

The charges stem from a brutal attack which left the teenage mother hospitalised with multiple stab wounds, including injuries that were initially reported to be life-threatening. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about violence against young women and intimate partner abuse.

Following the attack, Ali reportedly fled the area and remained at large for several weeks before he was captured by members of the public and handed over to police. Reports indicated that he was beaten during his apprehension.

When he was escorted to court on Thursday, Ali appeared with visible injuries, his right arm encased in a plaster cast and one of his hands heavily bandaged, as he was assisted from a vehicle by law enforcement officers.