Man burnt wife’s face with iron

Kevin Abrams, a seaman, was remanded to prison yesterday after being charged with using an iron to burn his wife’s face after a row over money.

Abrams, 38, of Lot 55 Middle Street, McDoom, was charged with the assault of his common-law wife Carol Beckles, so as to cause her actual bodily harm.

After an application was made for Abrams to be tried summarily, he pleaded not guilty to the assault charge read by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

It is alleged that the assault occurred on October 5, in Georgetown.

According to Prosecutor Winneth Hubbard, the two had a misunderstanding which resulted in Abrams pressing an iron to the left side of Beckles’ face, causing visible injuries. A reported was made to the East La Penitence Police Station and Abrams was subsequently arrested and charged

When given the opportunity to speak, Abrams said that he was in his bedroom ironing his clothes when Beckles approached him and asked for money. He said he told her he did not have any and she became annoyed and pulled out the iron’s plug from the outlet.

He said he plugged it back in and she pulled it out again and this was repeated several times.

Abrams said they both began to fight and Beckles fell on the bed and the iron, which was nearby, burned her on her face.

The magistrate asked if the couple had any previous matters before the courts for any offence of a similar nature.

Abrams admitted that they did have previous cases in court, including one that saw them both serving three month sentences for assaulting each other.

The magistrate later refused Abrams bail and the case was adjourned until October 12, when it is to be called for reports and fixtures.