Four policemen were yesterday charged with assaulting a businessman.
The four policemen, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, were released on self-bail after making their appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
It is alleged that on July 14 in Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), police officers Kevon Smith, Jermaine Scott, Marlyon Gonzales and Wilwert Watts unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Nizam Khan, so as to cause him actual bodily harm.
Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that on the day in question, the police officers were on a mobile patrol along the EBD public road.
At about 6pm, Mansfield stated, while the defendants were on the EBD public road, they observed a build up of traffic where Khan was seen. As a result, the policemen confronted Khan at his business place at Grove, EBD and told him that he was under arrest.
Mansfield said Khan inquired the reason for his arrest from the police officers and then walked away. It was then that he received a number of simultaneous punches and slaps about his body allegedly from the policemen.
Mansfield continued that Khan was then taken by the policemen to the Grove Police Station, however, on the way to the station he received more punches and slaps from all of the accused.
Khan reported the matter at the said police station and was sent to the hospital, where he received a medical testimonial which stated that there was swelling all over his body.
The policemen were then contacted and told of the offence and were subsequently charged.
Attorney Patrice Henry, who represented the policemen, said that the allegation against his clients was false, pointing out that they have no previous and or pending matters before the court. The prosecution had no objections to bail. The magistrate then released the policemen on their own recognisance.
The men will make their next appearance on September 21 in Court 10.
