Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton yesterday sentenced Wayne Layne to six weeks imprisonment when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer charges of common assault and threatening language committed against his reputed wife.
The accused pleaded not guilty to common assault but guilty to the threatening language charge while offering an explanation.
It is alleged that on March 30 at Howes Street, Charlestown, the accused unlawfully assaulted his reputed wife Lisa Nurse. On the same day he is also accused of using threatening language to her.
According to the prosecution, the accused and the virtual complainant (VC) were at home when an argument ensued between them. Layne became angry and threatened his reputed wife that he would throw acid in her face.
The matter was reported and the accused was arrested and charged.
He told the court that the woman had become angry because a female he used to “speak with” had called his phone. According to him, the VC then became angry and picked up a pair of scissors and placed it to his throat, telling him she was going to kill him. He said that is why he told her he would burn her with acid.
The woman, however, told the court that the man constantly abuses her and even chopped her on her hand in January. She said she reported the matter when it occurred but nothing came out of it.
She also stated that she did not want anything to do with him and asked the magistrate to issue a restraining order against him.
The magistrate informed her that she needed to go to the High Court to get the restraining order or she should consult a lawyer, since she cannot issue it unless it comes under the Domestic Violence Act.
