Man denies threatening to kill ex

-magistrate orders full probe into four-day detention

A man who allegedly threatened to kill his former partner was yesterday admitted to bail in the sum of $10,000 by acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The allegation against Mark Singh, of 50 Regent Street, was that on February 27, at Georgetown, he made use of threatening language to Sujata Persaud. The labourer denied the charge of threatening language when it was read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecution’s case is that on the day in question, Persaud was walking along the road when she was approached by the defendant, who told her to “come off the road if she wanted to live.” Prosecutor Sergeant Lionel Harvey told the court that the parties once shared a relationship, which was severed by Persaud because of Singh’s abusive behaviour and addiction to alcohol. The court heard that this angered the accused, who then threatened the woman’s life. After the alleged threat was made, Harvey said that the complainant immediately reported the matter to the police and the accused was arrested and charged.

Meanwhile, the prosecution was criticised by the Magistrate, who was told by the accused that he had been in police custody for four days. The Magistrate reminded the police that it was unconstitutional to have had the defendant locked up for more than 72 hours and she firmly demanded an answer from the Sergeant, who said that he did not know the reason.

After confirming that Singh was indeed locked up for four days before being taken to court, Harvey said, “I am not in a position to say.” He, however, quickly added that he would contact his superior to get a response on the issue. “That is not good enough,” the Magistrate said. She then ordered a full investigation into the matter.

In addition to bail, Singh was placed on a bond to keep the peace, pending the determination of the matter. The case was transferred to Court Three for March 14, for reports and fixture for trial.