Corriverton man remanded for assault of Police Officer

Nicholas Matthews, 33, was remanded to prison on Friday after being formally charged with the assault of an off-duty Police Officer.

Matthews, a contractor residing at Number 77 Housing Scheme, Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy.

It is alleged that on June 1, 2026, while present at Number 79 Village, Corriverton, Corentyne, Matthews unlawfully assaulted 25-year-old Odeal Cort, a Police Lance Corporal.

Matthews pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Matthew’s legal representative, Ryan Crawford, informed the court that Matthews and Cort were involved in a physical altercation, and were subsequently separated by concerned citizens.

While requesting that reasonable bail be granted, Crawford assured the court that his client would attend all required proceedings and posed no flight risk.

Vinay Punwa, representing the victim, disclosed that his client, who was off-duty, had just completed grocery shopping with his wife when Matthews confronted him armed with a baseball bat and began striking him multiple times.

Punwa contended that his client endured humiliation and trauma, both physically and mentally. The lawyer added that since the incident, his client has experienced persistent severe migraines and has scheduled medical examinations.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Shinel Mathieson stated that Matthews and Cort were known to each other, residing within the same community. It was further disclosed that Cort, a traffic officer, had previously stopped Matthews on several occasions for traffic violations.

Mathieson asserted that evidence indicates Matthews initiated the assault with a baseball bat. The prosecutor stated that a video recording capturing the incident at the supermarket was presented as evidence, and it was noted that Matthews attempted to evade arrest.

The prosecution expressed concerns regarding Cort’s personal safety, noting that he sustained swelling on his left elbow and injuries to his index finger. It was argued that bail should be denied considering the weapon used during the attack and the need to ensure Cort’s safety.

After considering the arguments presented by the lawyers and the prosecution, Magistrate Hardy denied bail, and Matthews was remanded to prison.

The case was adjourned to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court for further proceedings on June 9, 2026.

The post Corriverton man remanded for assault of Police Officer appeared first on News Room Guyana.