Embattled Babysitter granted bail by High Court

By Fareeza Haniff

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The babysitter, Fatima Martin who was sentenced to five years imprisonment for assaulting a one – year – old child was this evening (Wednesday, February 19) granted $100,000 bail by the High Court.

This is as a result of an appeal filed against the sentencing by her Attorney, Sase Gunraj. Following the filing of the appeal, Gunraj also applied to the High Court for Martin to be granted bail pending the hearing of the appeal.

As such, Chief Justice (ag), Ian Chang granted bail, Gunraj informed iNews. The 19 – year – old Martin was sentenced to five years in jail by Magistrate Sueanna Lovell for the offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Martin admitted to family members who visited her on Monday, February 17 at the New Amsterdam Prison that she did hit the child. She said however, that she was beaten by the parents when she told them about the incident at the house.

According to a relative, Martin claimed she was beaten again at the Police Station in the presence of a female Police Officer. The parents of the child are both Attorneys – at – Law (one a serving Magistrate).

Magistrate Lovell has since attracted criticisms for her sentence. However, she defended the decision. She told reporters on Wednesday (February 19) “I operated within the confines of the law.” She told reporters that she could understand how the perception could be that favoritism was shown but assured that it was not the case.

Magistrate Lovell is being accused of being inhumane, unreasonable and unbalanced in her sentencing. Reports indicate that the child is still hospitalized, and medical reports indicate that she was strangled and had marks of violence about the body which could have been caused from blunt trauma. The child also has a ‘bloodshot’ eye.

Several human rights activist on Monday, February 17 protested outside the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) where a sitting of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was being held over what they say was the draconian sentencing of the 19 – year – old.