…tells court wife threatened to “poison him slowly” to death
Shortly after he was apprehended by Police after being on the run for a few days, an alleged abusive husband, accused of setting fire to his wife’s house in the furtherance of an argument, claimed he fears for his life following threats from his
Arson accused, Kerwin Jervis
reputed spouse to “poison him slowly” to death.
The husband also requested a medical examination when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer to an arson charge on Monday.
Kerwin Jarvis pleaded not guilty to the charge which detailed that on October 17, 2017, at Da Silva and D’Abreu Streets, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously set fire to the dwelling house owned by his wife June McCalmont.
The forty-five-year-old man related that he is a father of three with no previous or pending matters before the courts. The accused had reportedly confessed to Police in a caution statement following his arrest.
However, Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves objected to bail being granted.
Bail was refused and Jarvis will spend time in prison until his next court appearance on November 13.
The court heard that on the day in question, the Virtual Complainant returned home from work and came upon the accused who locked himself in the bedroom and gathered some clothing items. He reportedly exited the room and dumped the bundle of clothing on the floor and secured the door before pouring a liquid substance on the fabric and setting same ablaze.
According to the Police case, the man proceeded to choke his wife and told her that they were going to burn to their deaths together. Fortunately, the VC managed to escape through a window.
The fire spread to neighbour Adunni Orderson’s house and charges are expected to be filed shortly.
According to media reports, the woman was a victim of constant domestic violence and there was nothing the neighbours could have done. (Paula Gomes)
