Reporter charged with cop assault, released on self-bail

Guyana Chronicle reporter Leroy Smith was placed on self bail yesterday after answering charges of assault, disorderly behaviour and unlawful and malicious damage to property.

Smith was charged before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court with assaulting Police Constable Shemroy Alleyne, a peace officer acting in the execution of his duty, on February 23, 2012 in Georgetown. It is alleged that Smith behaved disorderly and resisted Constable Alleyne. He was also charged with unlawfully and maliciously damaging a handheld radio-set antenna, which is the property of the Guyana Police Force.

Smith was released on his own recognisance and the matter is to be called again on March 13.