Warring Lodge couple slapped with multiple charges, granted bail

A Lodge Housing Scheme Georgetown couple appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday, where they were both charged with assault, unlawful wounding, threatening behaviour, and the use of threatening language, which were committed against each other during a dispute.
The defendants, Michael Alleyen and his wife, Shonetta Alleyen, stood before Magistrate Annette Singh, and both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the charges, Michael Alleyen is accused of unlawfully assaulting and wounding his wife, Shonetta, on September 10 at Lot 208 Lodge Housing Scheme. He also faces charges of displaying threatening behaviour and using threatening language towards her on the same date and at the same location.
Shonetta, meanwhile, was charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Michael Allen on September 10, in addition to displaying threatening behaviour towards him.
Michael Allen was represented by attorney Everton Singh-Lammy, who told the court that his client is married to Shonetta and that the couple have children together. Singh-Lammy further noted that Michael works as a secretary and has no prior convictions or antecedents. “Not even a traffic ticket,” the attorney said, emphasising his client’s good character.

He assured the Magistrate that Michael is not a flight risk and declared his confidence that the accused is innocent. “I am sure he is not guilty of any offence, and this will be brought out at trial,” Singh-Lammy argued, while also contending that a proper investigation had not been conducted to determine what actually occurred between the parties. He therefore asked the court to grant reasonable bail for his client.
When given the opportunity to speak, Shonetta told the court that she wished to proceed with the matter against Michael. She also disclosed her desire to end the marriage, stating, “I want to have a divorce. This has been going on for too long.” She claimed that on the day of the incident, she was in her room when Michael charged after her.
The prosecutor objected to bail for both defendants, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the fact that threats were reportedly made by each party.
However, when asked directly, Shonetta told the Magistrate that she did not believe Michael would harm her if he were released on bail. He also said that if she were released on bail, she would not harm him.
The woman also stated that she has moved out of their marital home and would only need to return to get her belongings. She also claimed that her two children, ages two and six, were left with her husband after the incident, and she would like to be able to see her children.
In addressing the situation, Magistrate Singh ruled that a third party must be established to supervise any visitation arrangements concerning the couple’s children. The Magistrate also instructed that police officers accompany Shonetta to the marital home so she could safely collect her belongings.
Bail was granted to both parties, with Shonetta being released on $40,000 bail for unlawfully and maliciously wounding and $10,000 for threatening behaviour.
Michael was granted $40,000 for causing bodily harm, $20,000 for threatening language, $20,000 for threatening behaviour, and $20,000 for assault.
When Shonette was asked who would post her bail, Michael told the court that he would pay the money on her behalf. He, however, was ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from her.
The matter has been adjourned until October 10.