Pembroke resident Justis Raham Smith appeared in court yesterday charged with assaulting two women and possession of a knife.

Smith, 23, is accused of unlawfully wounding Shanae Outerbridge with intent to do her grievous bodily harm, unlawfully assaulting Hanifah Taalibdin, causing her bodily harm, and possession of a knife. All the offences are alleged to have taken part in Sandys Parish on February 2.

Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves remanded Smith in custody, rejecting a bail application from defence counsel Patrick Doherty, who was standing in for Elizabeth Christopher.

He also rejected an application from Mr. Doherty that proceedings be held behind closed doors in the absence of the press and public, and an alternative application that Smith's name not be published or broadcast.

Smith, of Sunset Mews, Pembroke, will appear again on February 22. The maximum penalty for grievous bodily harm with intent is 10 years.

Crown counsel Anthony Blackman appeared for the Department of Public Prosecutions.