Bail denied for seaman accused of beating wife, daughter

A man accused of assaulting his wife and daughter was on Friday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octave-Hamilton at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Additionally, he was charged with using threatening behaviour towards his wife.

The allegation against Quacey Barnwell is that on August 9 at 38 Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD) he unlawfully assaulted Pretema Persaud; his wife, and Aliya Walcott, his daughter.

Additionally on the same day also, Barnwell is accused of using threatening behaviour to Persaud; resulting in a breach of the peace.

The 36-year-old seaman who resides at 38 Houston, EBD denied the charges when they were read to him.

No facts of what transpired on the day in question were presented to the court.

Police corporal Venetta Pindar objected to Barnwell being granted his pre-trial liberty on the grounds that the virtual complainants in the matter are the defendant’s wife and daughter and they all share the same home.

Pindar contended that since they all live together, there is a likelihood that the accused may want to interfere with the witnesses also. The prosecution objected to bail also citing that since Barnwell is a seaman, he may escape and not return to stand trial.

The unrepresented accused begged for bail but same was denied. He was then informed that he will be remanded to prison. His matters were transferred to Court One for October 24.