Two men were jailed this week after pleading guilty to assaulting women in separate incidents.
O’NEIL TODD 24, of La Brea, was charged for the offence of assault by beating on Wednesday 12th August 2020. He appeared before Magistrate Alicia Chankar at the Siparia Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 13th August 2020. He pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 120 days’ hard labour.
The first incident occurred on Tuesday 11th August 2020 when the accused arrived at the home he shared with the victim in a drunken state. He became annoyed and dealt the victim several blows about the body with his fist after she asked him to bathe.
A report was made to the La Brea Police Station, and officers responded. The suspect was arrested. The victim sought medical attention at the Point Fortin Area Hospital and was transferred the to San Fernando General Hospital, where she was treated and discharged.
The matter was referred to the South Western Division, Gender-Based Violence Unit (GBVU) based at the La Brea Police Station. Head of the Gender-Based Violence Unit spearheaded investigations, and the charge was laid by WPC Williams.
In the second incident, the victim was at home with her common-law husband on Thursday 13th August 2020, when an argument occurred. The man became annoyed and dealt the victim a blow to the left side of her face with a two-litre bottle. He then pointed a knife at her and threatened to kill her.
A report was made by the victim and officers of the GBVU, South Western Division responded. The man was arrested after being identified while walking along the roadway as officers proceeded to the La Brea Police Station with the victim.
KEITH BRANKER 27, a labourer from Rousillac, was charged by WPC Marcano for common assault and breach of a Protection Order. The Protection Order had been obtained by the victim against the accused on March 21, 2018 at the Point Fortin Magistrates’ Court and is valid for three (3) years.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Alicia Chankar at the Point Fortin Magistrates’ Court yesterday to answer to the charges. He pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to nine months’ hard labour on each charge, to be served consecutively.
