Following stern words from the magistrate on the need to curb domestic violence in Guyana, a Kitty man was yesterday sentenced to prison after admitting to slapping his wife.
Brian Urling, of 34 Station Street, Kitty, appeared before Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond charged with assaulting his wife, Ramona Urling, on June 23, at their home. He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
The facts were as charged, the court heard.
Before handing down a sentence, Chandan-Edmond considered the aggravating and mitigating factors. She also noted that Urling had been previously charged with domestic violence along with the seriousness of the offence.
“You are a grown man and ought to know how to control yourself,” the magistrate admonished the man.
She also pointed to the increase in domestic violence in society and the urgent need for it to be curbed.
After all due considerations were made, the defendant was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment. Upon hearing the news, the man’s wife instantly jumped up and began to make a request to the magistrate for a lighter sentencing but was promptly told to sit down.
Chandan-Edmond also pointed out to the woman that she had made the report and had therefore wanted to proceed with the matter.
