A man who allegedly punched his wife in the face and choked her until she began to faint after she told him she intended to end their marriage was released on $75,000 bail when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Jermain Munroe pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleges that on December 28, 2014, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Tomeka Munroe.
The police facts are that on the day in question, the virtual complainant told the defendant of her intention to move out of their home, owing to the ongoing problems their marriage was plagued with. The defendant became annoyed with his wife and began to punch her about her face. He then choked her until she began to faint and fell to the ground at which point he released her, the court heard.
She later escaped from the house and reported the matter.
Attorney Mark Conway who represented the defendant pleaded with the court to grant bail in a reasonable sum, noting that the offence is bailable. He expressed confidence that his client will return for trial, while reminding Magistrate Annette Singh that the court can attach conditions for bail if necessary.
Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick forcefully objected to bail stating that the police had a difficult time locating the defendant after he was released on station bail. Further, Bostwick said that the defendant was absent from the initial hearing before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. The prosecutor also based his objection on the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the defendant might interfere with his wife if granted bail.
The prosecution’s objections were nevertheless overruled and Magistrate Singh released the defendant on $75,000 bail.
The trial will commence on January 21, in Court 11.
