Woman charged with causing grievous bodily harm - trial begins at Supreme Court

The trial of a woman charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent has begun in the Supreme Court this morning.

Fatima Ech Chahl is accused of attacking the complainant, who is said to have suffered a fractured nose and cheekbone, as well as bruising and lacerations.

The alleged incident is said to have taken place in October 2024, when both the complainant and Fatima Ech Chahl were at the defendant’s home, alongside other people.

Following an argument between the complainant and another person present, Fatima Ech Chahl allegedly began attacking the complainant in the kitchen.

During the Crown’s opening speech, prosecutor Justin Rodriguez told the jury that the complainant was the 'subject of a brutal attack' and that Ms Ech Chahl 'intended to cause harm'.

The defendant denies assaulting the complainant.

This morning, the complainant took the witness stand and answered questions from both the prosecution and defence.

She told the court that the attack happened in the kitchen, but said that when police arrived, they found her outside the home, at the bottom of a flight of stairs.

She said she did not know how she had got outside.

The court was then shown footage from the attending RGP officer’s body-worn camera, which showed the complainant at the bottom of the stairs.

Defence lawyer Tom Hillman put it to the complainant that those present had been drinking, and that she could have fallen down the stairs outside.

The trial continues.