A husband and wife from Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown, were hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a series of offences stemming from a reported altercation at their home.
Shonetta Allen and Michael Allen appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh, where they both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the charges, the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 10, at Lot 208, Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown.
Michael is accused of unlawfully assaulting Shonetta and, in separate counts, engaging in threatening behaviour and using threatening language towards her. Shonetta is charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Michael, as well as exhibiting threatening behaviour.
Attorney-at-law Everton Singh-Lammy, representing Michael, argued for bail, noting that his client is married to the complainant and they share children.
He told the court that Michael holds steady employment, has no prior convictions and is unlikely to abscond. He further submitted that a thorough probe is needed to clarify what transpired between the parties.
Shonetta told the court she intends to pursue the matter against her husband and signalled her wish to end the marriage.
The prosecutor objected to bail for both defendants, citing the seriousness of the allegations and threats allegedly made by each side. When questioned by the magistrate, however, Shonetta said she did not believe Michael would go to her current residence to harm her if released.
Magistrate Singh ordered that a neutral third party manage visitation arrangements regarding the couple’s children. She also directed that police accompany Shonetta to retrieve her personal belongings from the home previously shared with her husband.
Bail was set at $40,000 for Shonetta. When asked who would post it, Michael volunteered to stand her bail. Michael was granted $100,000 bail and instructed to remain at least 100 yards away from his wife. The case was adjourned to October 10.
