Man admits repeatedly stabbing uncle, sentencing set for November 23

Naphtali Wessels, called “Bruddo” and “Bran”, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to felonious wounding over the repeated stabbing of his uncle at West Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, in January 2023.

Wessels appeared before Chief Justice Navindra Singh at the Georgetown High Court and admitted the alternative charge. He was remanded pending sentencing on November 23.

The court ordered probation and pre-sentencing reports, a victim impact statement and a psychological evaluation.

According to the agreed facts, Wessels went to Ashton Simon’s residence at Lot 57 West Meten-Meer-Zorg on January 10, 2023, seeking help to contact the police because he feared for his life.

Simon, his uncle by marriage, asked him to leave. When Wessels refused, Simon contacted his daughter, Simone Simon, to help persuade him.

Her efforts were also unsuccessful, as were attempts to contact the police. Wessels told her that some men wanted to “kill him for his brains”.

Simon subsequently dressed to go to the police station. As he left his front door and attempted to descend the stairs, he encountered Wessels on the staircase.

Wessels forced him against the railing and repeatedly stabbed him with a black, 12-inch Rambo knife. The attack was captured on CCTV.

Simon was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital and subsequently transferred to the West Demerara Hospital, where he underwent life-saving surgery. He remained hospitalised until January 15.

A medical report recorded penetrating wounds to his abdomen and the right side of his chest, along with wounds to his right upper arm, forearm and shoulder.

Wessels was arrested on the day of the attack and taken to the Leonora Police Station. The following day, he gave a caution statement admitting the offence, according to the agreed facts.

Police subsequently recovered the knife and obtained the CCTV footage.

Wessels spent approximately 18 months on remand before being granted bail pending trial.

Attorney Ronald Bostwick represented him, while prosecutors Christopher Belfield and Praneta Seeraj appeared for the State.