RONALD Balgobin, a 31-year-old taxi driver from Cinderella City and Amelia’s Ward, Linden, has been formally charged with abduction and breach of a protection order following an incident involving his former partner, Basmattie “Penny” Bassant, a 37-year-old housewife from Annandale, East Coast Demerara.
Balgobin, who was previously wanted by law enforcement, was captured and brought before the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on February 3, 2025. The charges stem from an alleged abduction that occurred on October 27, 2024, at around 10:00 hrs in Annandale, ECD.
Before His Worship Sunil Scarce, Balgobin was remanded to prison on the abduction charge, and the case was adjourned to March 13, 2025, for further reporting. Meanwhile, he pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order, an offence under the Family Violence Act of 2024 (#14), and was sentenced to eight months in prison.
Notably, the victim, Ms. Bassant, who had been advised to attend the hearing, was absent from court on the day of Balgobin’s appearance.
Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of enforcing protection orders to safeguard victims of domestic violence and are urging individuals facing similar threats to report incidents promptly.