Tempers flare at football match, duo charged

A football match between two village teams resulted in two men being charged yesterday with inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault.

Sitting at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Sunil Scarce heard that on March 16 at Tapakuma, Essequibo Coast, Romeo Singh, 38, unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on Tyrone Stephney.

According to the facts, on the day in question, Singh and Stephney were at a fun day at Tapakuma and there was a volleyball competition between the Mainstay and Tapakuma teams.

An argument ensued between the two about which side had cheated and a fight then broke out. Singh reportedly hoisted Stephney and threw him on the ground and as a result, Stephney’s left ankle was broken.

Singh was later arrested and charged.

Stephney, 34, of Mainstay was also accused of assaulting Singh on the same day.

Singh and Stephney, who were both unrepresented, both pleaded not guilty.

There were no objections to bail by Prosecutor Heamwant Ramsewak. Singh’s bail was set at $60,000 and Stephney’s at  $20,000.

Both Singh and Stephney will return to the Anna Regina Magistrates Court on April 23 when the matter will be called again.