Joseph
Twenty-three-year-old Dona Joseph, who was stabbed in Castries on Friday, August 8, remains at Victoria Hospital while her alleged attacker has been released on “self bail”.
Police Press Officer Aniel Innocent told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that 19-year-old Sanya Degazon of Ciceron, Castries was released from police custody on Sunday, August 10 after being charged for wounding.
Innocent explained: “You can be bailed by the court or by a police officer – what we call self bail. In legal terms it would read ‘bailed on her own recognizance.”
Meanwhile, Joseph told SNO today that she is surprised to hear that her attacker, who almost murdered her, is back on the street.
Police last told Joseph that her attacker would be taken to court on Monday, August 12.
“They never called me or tell anybody for me, nothing. I wonder if it’s me that do her that, if it will go so too?” she questioned.
Joseph, who is seven months pregnant, was stabbed during an argument between her and Degazon, her boyfriend’s baby mother.
Joseph told SNO that she is still in pain and that the doctors have started operating on her right hand where she sustained a deep stab wound. A second surgery is expected to take place sometime later this week.
“I have to go back for the surgery. I am still in pain but the baby is alright, they told me,” she added.
Joseph’s mother Albertina James had told SNO that multiple reports have been made to the police – as recent as the morning of the stabbing incident – about harassment from the attacker.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the incident stemmed from an earlier argument/altercation between the two women. A few onlookers told SNO that the victim could have avoided the situation. Several persons allegedly advised her to ignore the woman but eyewitnesses said she was persistent.
However, Joseph told SNO in an exclusive interview that she grew tired of being harassed by Degazon, and in the heat of the moment, she responded to her, which resulted in an argument.
The pregnant woman said she is fed up with the situation and wants to see her attacker placed behind bars.
Joseph alleged that Degazon would go at her home with a cutlass and other objects and threaten to kill her.