Taxi driver sentenced in absentia for assaulting police officer

A 36-year-old taxi driver from the Essequibo Coast has been found guilty of multiple offences, including assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly behaviour.

Ravindra Baljodah, was charged under the Summary Jurisdiction Offences Act, Chapter 8:02, following an incident on June 26, 2024.
According to reports, Baljodah assaulted Lance Corporal Haman Hardat of the Anti-Crime Patrol, stationed at the Divisional Headquarters in Anna Regina.
The case was heard on Thursday at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court before Her Worship Magistrate Tamieka Clarke. Baljodah failed to appear in court, leading Magistrate Clarke to deliver her verdict in his absence.
Upon review of the evidence, the court found Baljodah guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to one month in prison for resisting a peace officer, five months for assaulting a peace officer, and fined $10,000 for disorderly behaviour.
In default of payment, he faces an additional two weeks of imprisonment.
Following the court’s ruling, law enforcement officers arrested Baljodah, and he was placed in custody to serve his sentence.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to upholding law and order, emphasising that attacks on law enforcement personnel will not be tolerated.