Neighbours of a man accused of seriously injuring his stepfather heard shouting on the evening of the alleged assault, a court heard yesterday.

Garth Wayne Bell, 40, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally causing Herbie Spencer grievous bodily harm on August 11 last year.

As his trial began in Supreme Court yesterday, prosecutor Alan Richards told the jury the attack happened at a Crossland Lane, Pembroke, property, where both the accused and complainant live.

He told the court that Mr Spencer, who was 62 when the alleged offence occurred, was married to Mr Bell’s mother.

“At the time of the incident, she was away in Jamaica, which is the country of Mr Spencer’s birth,” Mr Richards said. “In the early evening of that day, neighbours heard shouting and other sounds coming from the vicinity of 4 Crossland Lane, causing them to take interest in what was transpiring just outside the property.”

He said the argument appeared to be largely one-sided, and that witnesses will testify they heard Mr Bell shouting angrily at Mr Spencer about his treatment or perceived mistreatment of his mother.

“It’s the Crown’s case that evidence, supported by Mr Spencer’s own account, will show he was attacked by Mr Bell while armed with some kind of weapon,” Mr Richards said. “Witnesses saw Mr Bell leaving the scene on his white Vespa.

“He must have been aware that it was likely he had been observed and concerned that he had done wrong because later that day he told a friend to look after a bike for him without telling her why.”

Mr Richards said that after Mr Bell left the scene, witnesses heard someone calling for help from the property.

They found Mr Spencer on the floor outside the property, seriously bleeding from his head and neck.

Mr Richards said Mr Spencer also suffered damage to his upper spine, causing him a degree of paralysis.

After the attack, police began to search for Mr Bell, who turned himself in at Hamilton Police Station.

The prosecutor said the injuries to Mr Spencer’s head clearly indicated that Mr Bell had intended to cause his stepfather serious injury.

“We submit you will be sure, not only it was Mr Bell that was responsible, but that the assault was perpetrated unlawfully,” Mr Richards said.

Mr Bell is being represented in court by defence lawyers Elizabeth Christopher and Susan Mulligan.

The trial is expected to continue today.

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