Bastien
Police have formally launched an investigation into an incident in which a man from Bexon, Castries claims he was badly burnt by neighbours who accused him of assaulting a 15-year-old girl.
The man’s name has been given as Stephen Bastien, also known as Bas Coco, of Bexon. He has appeared in various media with horrific burns on almost half of his upper torso. The incident occurred almost two weeks ago.
But information from the police is that Bastien had not reported the incident to them, even after they visited him in hospital. A police spokesperson says Bastien’s sister has since made a formal report to them and a formal interview with him was expected this afternoon.
Bastien has recounted a story of ambush, accusation and injury by one of his neighbours. He said in a television interview that he was summoned to the home of a young woman whom he did odd jobs for, on and off. When he arrived at her home and climbed up the steps, the young woman attempted to pour a liquid substance on him from a container she was holding.
He said though he held onto the container, she managed to capsize it on him. Other female relatives, including the alleged perpetrator’s mother and sister, also joined in the verbal and physical attack, he claimed.
Bastien said he had not received any feedback from the police in connection with the incident. But the police are saying that Bastien never even sought medical attention within the first three days of the alleged attack, and instead stayed at home.
He made no report to the police, but when the police went to the hospital to see him, they were told he was not in a position to give information.