Shop owner fined $5,000 for slapping wife

A shop owner was yesterday fined $5,000 after admitting that he gave his wife “two, three slaps” and took her back to their home after finding her drinking with friends.

Ronsdale Chesney, 44, of Lot 720 ‘B’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan accused of assaulting his wife at Martin Landing, Mazaruni River on July 31.

Chesney pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

According to the police’s facts, Chesney and his wife lived in Martin Landing and also operated a business in the area. Without letting her husband know, police said, the woman reportedly left their business around 11 am and ventured across the river to meet with some friends.

After discovering the woman was not at home, Chesney went in search of her. She was eventually found at shop drinking high wine with some friends.

According to Prosecutor Deniro Jones, Chesney questioned his wife about why she was not at home; they instantly became involved in a heated argument, during which Chesney threatened the woman before dealing her several slaps to the face.

The matter was reported but Chesney was only recently arrested and charged with assault following issued warrants.

When given an opportunity to explain himself, Chesney said that he and his wife had a misunderstanding earlier in the day while they were selling clothing in another area. He went on that they met a woman along the way who sought to accompany them. This request, Chesney said, angered his wife who walked away, leaving him behind.

It was only later, after searching for her, did he find her drinking with her friends. He admitted that he became angry and commanded the woman to leave. However, she was reluctant to do so. He eventually convinced her and, as they descended a flight of stairs, she fell down and ripped his shirt in the process.

“When we reach the bottom I just give her about two, three slaps and took her back to the shop,” the man said.

The father of six (none with his wife) was fined $5,000 or an alternative of three weeks in prison.