A 47-year-old man, who allegedly assaulted the mother of his children after she accused him of keeping them away from her, was yesterday released on $25,000 bail and placed on a bond to keep the peace when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The allegation against Linden Benjamin is that on February 5, at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, he unlawfully assaulted Sylvania Douglas.
Benjamin, who resides at Lot 167 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, pleaded not guilty to the assault charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Sueanna Lovell.
Police Prosecutor Denise Booker stated that on the day in question, Douglas went Benjamin’s home and questioned him on the children’s whereabouts.
Booker further stated that Douglas threatened to file a complaint to the police station and Benjamin became annoyed and dealt her a slap.
When given a chance to speak, Benjamin explained that Douglas had asked him to look after their eldest child because of the child’s behaviour. He stated that since the eldest is in his care, the youngest would leave his mother’s home in the night to sleep at his home.
He further stated that on the day in question, Douglas went to his home and questioned him about the children’s whereabouts and he responded that they had gone to a shop and would return momentarily.
He added that she called his sister and started talking about him taking their children from her and that she would report him to the police station. She then left his residence.
However, later that day, he said, he saw Douglas pull up in a car with a police officer and she accused him of slapping her. Benjamin maintained that he would never hit a woman, especially the mother of his children.
When asked if they had objections to the defendant being admitted to bail, Booker responded in the negative but asked that the defendant be placed on a bond to keep the peace.
After listening to submissions, the presiding magistrate acceded to the Booker’s request and placed the defendant on a bond to keep the peace pending the determination of the matter and $25,000 bail.
The matter will continue on March 5.
