West Ruimveldt man jailed for punching wife

A man was yesterday jailed for cuffing and threatening his common-law wife in the presence of their two children.

Andy Maikoo admitted in a city court that on May 9, at West Ruimveldt, he unlawfully assaulted Shamwattie Arjune. He also admitted to using threatening language to her on the same day at the same place.

Police prosecutor Seon Blackman told the court that Maikoo was at home, intoxicated, when he and Arjune had a disagreement and he threatened her. The defendant also dealt her several cuffs about her face and head in the presence of their children, who are 13 and 5-years-old.

Arjune told the court that Maikoo was always hitting her and that they were previously in court for a similar matter. She stated that she wanted nothing to do with the defendant.

Prior to being sentenced, Maikoo pleaded with the magistrate, telling her that he would change, go to church and even perform community service.

His pleas, however, yielded no fruit and he was sentenced to three months in jail for the assault and fined $20,000 for using threatening language. If he cannot pay the fine, he is to serve 20 days in prison.