Charlestown man fined $50,000 for assaulting mother of his children

A Charlestown man facing charges of assault and using abusive language to the mother of his three children appeared before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that on June 6 at Charlestown, Iqbal Clarke, while using abusive language assaulted Candacie Blackman, the mother of his three children.

Clarke, who is a Field Investigating Officer attached to Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) pleaded guilty to the assault charge but denied the abusive language charge.

With tears in his eyes Clarke told the court that on the day in question he was out of a job and was very frustrated after his wife accused him of infidelity so he slapped her.

He also pleaded with the magistrate to give him a non-custodial sentence, and apologized.  “My Worship I am sorry about what I done,” he said.

Blackman stated that the defendant cuffed her to the head after she asked him for money to take care of their twin babies. She asked Magistrate Lovell to punish Clarke but not to lock him up.

The magistrate fined 25-year-old Clarke $50,000 for assault or an alternative of 6 months in prison and also put him on a bond to keep the peace for one year.

The accused also pleaded with the court to give him some time to pay the fine and the magistrate allowed him until November 30.

He has to make an appearance in Court One on November 11 to defend the abusive language charge.