Venezuelan facing trial for inflicting harm ahead of expected deportation

A Venezuelan national was yesterday fined for entering the country illegally but her expected deportation is on hold as she faces trial for allegedly inflicting bodily harm on a Guyanese man.

Smailin Carrion pleaded guilty to a charge of entering Guyana by sea and disembarking without the consent of an immigration officer on January 18th at Eteringbang, Cuyuni River.

Carrion, with the aid of a translator, stated that she came to Guyana to look for a better life to support her family back home.

She was also charged with unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on Anthony Ward, with intent to maim, disfigure or disable Anthony Ward in a Cuyuni River area.

Carrion, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court was told that after she entered Guyana illegally, Carrion was held by police for alleged harassment and taken to the Bartica Police Station.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan then fined the woman $30,000 with an alternative of four weeks in prison for the illegal entry charge but remanded her to prison on the charge of inflicting bodily harm. The matter will be heard again today.