ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Bernard DaSilva has withdrawn himself from representing a city businessman, who is accused of brutally assaulting his 25-year-old daughter.

On Friday, DaSilva wrote to the clerk of her worship, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, who sits at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and is presiding over the two matters, which were filed under the Domestic Violence Act.

The businessman is currently out on $400,000 bail for allegedly inflicting grievous bodily harm and displaying threatening behaviour towards his daughter on March 25.

The victim was granted a permanent protection order against her father.

In the letter seen by this newspaper, DaSilva said, “I respectfully request that my name be removed from the record as Defence Counsel in the said matter.”

According to DaSilva, “certain ethical and other considerations” have influenced his decision to withdraw and discontinue all further involvement in the case.

The police launched an investigation following the circulation of a video on social media, where the businessman was seen assaulting his daughter at his Kitty business place. He also allegedly threatened to shoot her.

The young lady during a video interview which was aired on Facebook, revealed that her father had been brutalising her for years. Her stepmother and other siblings who reside with him were also abused, she claimed.

The young woman related that she was forced to come forward because the latest beating was captured on CCTV cameras inside her father’s store and she was able to secure a copy.

Further, after the beating, she claimed that she was locked inside her home for two days. She was later able to call the 914 hotline, report the incident and is now in a safe place.

She added that threats have been made to her life and she is now living in fear.

As a result of the video being circulated on social media, the police said ranks visited the businessman’s home and seized his 9mm pistol and a shotgun, as well as matching ammunition. He is a licensed firearm holder.