37-year-old T&HD sailor Byron Persaud, of Lot 14 James and Hill Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and damage to property, allegedly committed on Latoya Barthelmer on Friday, August 2, at James and Hill Streets, Albouystown.

Appearing before Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman, Persaud also denied that, on the same day, at James and Hill Streets, Albouystown, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged one wall clock and one closet, among other items which were the property of the same virtual complainant (VC).
Barthelmer, of the same address, was also charged and pleaded not guilty to the offence that on Saturday, August 3, at James and Hill Streets, Albouystown, she assaulted Persaud so as to cause him actual bodily harm.
Both parties indicated an intention to proceed with the charges before the court.
Police Sergeant Vishnu Hunt, prosecuting, told the court that Persaud was charged before this very court, and the matter was concluded by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, and he had been placed on a year’s bond to keep the peace. Hunt added that while on that bond, Persaud committed this current offence.
Persaud responded that he was never bonded to keep the peace, and has no previous or pending matter.
Sergeant Hunt objected to bail on the ground that the two people are a common-law couple who live at the same address, and it is likely that they would interfere with each other. He indicated that the bodily harm was a minor swelling to the right cheek, and the unlawful assault constituted several cuffs laid about the body of Barthelmer.
In relation to the damage to property and assault charges, Persaud was ordered to post surety in the sum of $70,000. In the interim, Barthelmer was also placed on $80,000 bail.
The matter stands adjourned until September 5, and both parties have been bonded to keep the peace pending the determination of the matter.