– court hears

Forty-two-year-old Vernon Barnwell of Leopold Street was yesterday granted bail in the sum of $30,000 when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court accused of using an iron to smack his stepdaughter to her head and back.

Barnwell pleaded not guilty to the charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm when Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson read it to him.

He denied that on February 19, at his Leopold Street home he unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on Samantha Bishop.

Bishop, who was also present in court, stated that on the day in question she was trying to stop Barnwell from arguing with her mother who was sick at the time.

She said that an infuriated Barnwell then grabbed their iron and dealt her a blow to her head and one to her back. She also stated that he dealt her several punches to her face.

The matter was reported and Barnwell was later arrested and charged.

Prosecutor Stephen Telford made no objections to Barnwell’s bail application, when he suggested it, and it was subsequently granted.

Barnwell is expected to make another court appearance on March 25.