No bail for Coastguardsman accused of burning wife

- File photo
- File photo

A 33-year-old member of the Coast Guard was denied bail despite arguments from his attorney, suggesting he be placed in the custody of the Coast Guard until his next appearance.

Nathaniel Bullock appeared in the Port of Spain magistrate's court this morning to face the charge of committing grievous bodily harm with intent against his wife PC Kelly Ann Humphrey at their Boundary Road, San Juan home on Sunday.

The charge was laid indictably and Bullock was not called upon to enter a plea.

His attorney Ian Brooks requested bail and sought to assure the court that if granted, his client will be remanded to the Coast Guard's base in Chaguaramas.

The state attorney objected to bail citing section 6:2 A (1) of the Bail Act, as Humphrey was still in critical condition at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. She also said the charge would most likely be upgraded to murder if Humphrey died.

Despite this, Brooks insisted the Coast Guard's facility was secure and sufficient to accommodate his client whose right hand was injured.

"When he is remanded into the custody of the Coast Guard, he will not be allowed to walk around the base. He will be confined to a small area. There is a cell and an infirmary. He will be kept in the infirmary and then transferred to the cell after he is treated," Brooks said.

Despite this, Senior Magistrate Cherril-Anne Antoine denied bail and said any further applications would have to be made to a judge in chambers.

Bullock is expected to reappear in court on May 17.

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"No bail for Coastguardsman accused of burning wife"

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