The attorney representing Chad-Kale Thomas, who is accused of chopping St. Ann’s Bay Mayor Micheal Belnavis at his property in St. Mary last year, says the defence is ready for the trial on July 9.

Charles Ganga-Singh believes his client is innocent of the charges.

Thomas appeared in the St. Mary Parish Court yesterday, where he was granted bail in the sum of $300,000 with one surety by Parish Judge, Nicole Kellier.

He is charged with house-breaking, wounding with intent and malicious destruction of property in relation to the incident.

Reports are that on January 20, 2025, Mr. Belnavis visited a property he owns in Boscobel, where he observed the accused allegedly sitting on a couch.

The mayor ordered him to leave, but it’s alleged that the accused later attacked him with a machete.

Thomas was shot and wounded.

He was later arrested and taken to the hospital for treatment, while Mayor Belnavis was also hospitalized for chop wounds to the head.

Speaking with IRIE FM News today, Mr. Ganga-Singh said his client was offered bail after several months on remand.