Guard granted $100,000 bail after brutal attack on partner

— victim remains hospitalised, fearful for her life

A 25-year-old security officer was on Friday granted $100,000 bail after being charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on his partner, an act which, according to investigators and persons close to the case, forms part of a disturbing pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour.

Kevon French, of Lot 408 Onderneeming, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding 35-year-old Althea Morris, on May 29, at Thomas Lands, Georgetown.
Initially, French was not required to plead since the charge was indictable. However, after the prosecution made a successful application for the matter to be tried summarily, with consent from French, he pleaded not guilty. During the hearing, he reportedly attempted to explain his version of events.
This publication understands that on the night of the incident, Morris, a caterer who prepares and delivers meals to a special needs school, had informed French that she needed to attend a wake on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). French, who was at work at the time, allegedly told her that she should wait for him because she could not go without him.
Morris, aware of his history of controlling behaviour, allegedly waited for several hours, but French never showed up. She ultimately decided not to attend the wake but proceeded to drop off meals that were due for delivery. It was during this trip that she was reportedly followed by French without her knowledge.
As she exited the premises where she had made her delivery, French allegedly confronted her, demanding to know where she had gone and why. According to information revealed, Morris attempted to explain that she had no intention of continuing the relationship due to its toxic nature and his controlling tendencies. It was then that French allegedly began slamming her head into the car, causing her nose to break and leaving her with multiple facial and bodily injuries.
Morris was rushed to the hospital and has remained there since the incident. Reports indicate that she continues to suffer from nasal bleeding and is deeply traumatised by the attack. During Friday’s bail hearing, the prosecution strongly objected to French being released, citing the serious nature of the injuries, the victim’s ongoing hospitalisation, and repeated claims that she fears for her life.
The investigating officer confirmed in court that this was not the first reported incident of abuse involving French and Morris, and described a pattern of coercive behaviour. Morris allegedly told authorities that French would routinely demand that she send photographs of herself before leaving home and again upon arrival at her destination. He reportedly insisted that she not go anywhere without him, and that she inform him of her every movement.
The officer confirmed in court that although French and Morris had previously lived together, French had since moved out of the shared residence. The address he provided to the court is reportedly his parents’ home.
Despite the prosecution’s objection, Magistrate Singh questioned the rationale for opposing bail, noting that French had already been on station bail prior to being charged. “He was already out on station bail,” the Magistrate remarked, asking, “What exactly is the prosecution objecting to now?”
Still, the prosecution maintained its position, pointing to the continued threat to the victim’s safety.
In the end, Magistrate Singh granted French bail in the sum of $100,000 but imposed strict conditions: French is to stay at least 100 yards away from Morris and must not attempt to contact her in any way.
The Magistrate warned that any breach of these conditions would lead to immediate revocation of bail and remand to prison until the conclusion of the trial.
The case has been adjourned to July 4, 2025, and investigations are ongoing.