Man admits cuffing companion over text message

Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday granted a man bail in the sum of $30,000 after he appeared before her on an assault charge.

The allegation against Derwyn Jackson is that on January 30 he unlawfully assaulted Lisa Dey, with the intent to cause bodily harm.

The twenty-seven-year-old father of three pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

According to the facts presented by prosecutor Police Corporal Venetta Pindar, the defendant and the Virtual Complainant (VC) share a relationship and have children together.
The court was told that on the day in question, the VC received a text message on her cell phone, and the defendant took the phone from her to browse. The VC then asked the defendant to return the phone but an argument ensued.

As a result, the defendant dealt the VC cuffs to her face and mouth. A medical certificate was subsequently sought by the VC, and the defendant was arrested and charged.

When asked by the magistrate what he had to say for himself, the accused said that, “It was a misunderstanding.” When asked if he did indeed cuff the VC in her mouth, Jackson said yes.
The defendant was then granted $30,000 bail, and the matter was adjourned to February 18 for a probation report.