By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE attempted murder trial of a 28-year-old man accused of breaking his then-girlfriend’s spine and leaving her paralysed began in the Supreme Court on Monday.

Kevin Taylor appeared before Justice Neil Braithwaite in connection with the January 12, 2024 incident involving Syretta Dames, who was then 47.

Prosecutors allege Taylor injured Ms Dames’ back in New Providence, breaking her spine and leaving her paralysed.

Sergeant Nikita Pickstock testified that on January 15, 2024, he received information that an officer wanted to take a video recording at Princess Margaret Hospital.

He went to the hospital’s critical care unit, where officers spoke with Ms Dames and asked to take a statement, which he recorded.

Sgt Pickstock said he placed the recording on a CD.

Detective Corporal Charles Smith testified that at about 4.10pm on January 12, 2024, he received information about a domestic complaint at Doctors Hospital on Blake Road.

When he arrived, a security guard pointed out Taylor.

Det Cpl Smith said Taylor told him his girlfriend was awaiting medical attention.

After speaking with a doctor, the officer saw Ms Dames lying in a bed and received information from her.

He then cautioned and arrested Taylor for grievous harm.

Det Cpl Smith identified Taylor in court as the man he arrested.

Under questioning by defence attorney Miranda Adderley, the officer said Taylor appeared “down” at the time of his arrest and did not resist.

He said he could not recall whether Taylor told him there had been an accident involving Ms Dames.

Det Cpl Smith confirmed that he arrested Taylor for grievous harm rather than attempted murder.

Under re-examination by the prosecution, however, he said he was not responsible for determining what charges the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions pursued.

Akire Nicolls and Xandrell Bain are prosecuting the case.