Counselling ordered for man accused of domestic abuse

A man charged with assaulting his common-law wife was on Monday ordered by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to attend counselling sessions at the Help and Shelter.

It was alleged that John Bacchus of Lot ‘B’ 55 North Sophia, assaulted Hermila Glysteen of the same address on October 24.

At the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Prosecutor Bharat Mangru stated that Bacchus, who is the father of Glysteen’s child, slapped her before, during or after they had a misunderstanding. The matter was subsequently reported to the police and Bacchus was arrest.

He pleaded not guilty when the case was called.

Glysteen, after being sent to be briefed about applying for an order of protection under the Domestic Violence Act, decided to not to press charges on the condition that her husband would mend his ways. However, the magistrate told the woman that the court could not guarantee that.

Counselling was ordered by the Chief Magistrate and Bacchus and Glysteen were ordered to report back to the court on December 3.