WIN MP slapped with assault, threatening behaviour charges after domestic violence report

…granted $125,000 bail

We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament (MP), Deon La Cruz, has been placed on $125,000 bail after being slapped with charges stemming from a domestic violence incident at Moruca, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) earlier this week.
The 31-year-old Opposition parliamentarian appeared virtually via Zoom before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Acquero Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 30(a) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:02; and threatening behaviour, contrary to Section 141(a) of the said Act.
La Cruz was represented by Attorney-at-Law Damien Da Silva during his arraignment. He was granted the sum of $100,000 for the assault charge and another $25,000 for the threatening behaviour offence.

The matter was adjourned to July 7 for the preparation and submission of a probation report.
Based on initial Police reports, the incident occurred at about 17:00h on Wednesday at the MP’s residence and involved his reputed wife.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the couple was at home when an argument allegedly erupted and escalated into a physical altercation.
Police said that during the incident, the MP allegedly assaulted a four-year-old child, prompting the woman to intervene.
The woman further alleged that the MP dealt her several blows and pushed her to the ground, causing her to hit her head and briefly lose consciousness.
She also claimed that he later armed himself with a chopper and advanced towards her in a threatening manner, causing her to fear for her life and personal safety.
The matter was reported to the Acquero Police Station, and the woman was escorted to seek medical attention. La Cruz was later arrested.