Vendor denies threatening to kill partner

A vendor yesterday appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for allegedly slapping and threatening to kill a woman with whom he has had an intimate relationship for four years.

The allegation against Dextor Holland is that on Tuesday at Norton Street, Wortmanville, he unlawfully assaulted Paula Garraway while using threatening language against her. The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

According to the prosecution’s facts, the defendant and the Virtual Complainant (VC) have had an intimate relationship for four years, and during that time he was very abusive to her. On the day in question the two had an argument because the VC went to a friend’s house.

The court heard that the defendant got angry, slapped the VC and told her that he would kill her. The VC subsequently made a report to the Alberttown Police Station, and the defendant was arrested and charged.

When prompted, the prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that the VC is very afraid of the defendant.

Nonetheless the accused was released and the two were placed on a bond to keep the peace. The defendant was also warned by the magistrate to stay away from Norton Street and the VC, pending the determination of the matter.

The matter was transferred to Court Ten for April 18.