Two women with a reported history of personal conflict were brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on assault-related charges following a series of violent incidents in July.
Delys Gampat, 34, a dental nurse employed with the Ministry of Health and a mother of two, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, who is presiding over the case.
She faced two charges: unlawful wounding and assault causing actual bodily harm, both committed against Kimberley Beckles, 30, a self-employed woman from Albouystown.
The court heard that on July 30, Gampat allegedly wounded Beckles during an altercation at the Ruimveldt Police Station. She pleaded guilty to that offence. However, she pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of assault stemming from a prior incident on July 25 at Jackie’s Sports Bar.
In a detailed explanation to the court regarding the wounding, Gampat said she has known Beckles for more than 20 years and claimed that Beckles and members of her family have consistently harassed and verbally abused her over the years. She told the court that the tension escalated to the point where she had to move out of the area to avoid further encounters.
On the day of the police station incident, both women had gone to make reports and were left alone in a room by an officer known to them. According to Gampat, Beckles began to provoke her, uttering deeply offensive remarks, including accusations that she has HIV and claims about her child’s paternity. Gampat said the repeated verbal attacks led to an argument, which turned physical. She told the court she acted in self-defence.
The court subsequently entered a not guilty plea on her behalf for that matter.
Beckles, meanwhile, was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, also allegedly committed at the Ruimveldt Police Station, but on July 20. She denied the allegation.
In light of the circumstances surrounding the incidents and the nature of the longstanding dispute between the parties, the prosecutor refrained from opposing bail.
However, a request was made for both women to be placed on a bond to keep the peace while the matter is before the court.
After considering the submissions, Magistrate McGusty granted conditional bail to the defendants.
Gampat was placed on $25,000 bail for the unlawful wounding charge and $10,000 for the assault matter. Beckles was granted $20,000 bail for her charge.
Additionally, both parties were placed on a bond to maintain the peace pending the outcome of the proceedings.
The matter is set to continue on August 13.
