Seeram Avoids Immediate Jail Despite Assault Conviction

National Coordinator of Guyana’s Border Patrol Unit, Daniel Seeram, has avoided immediate imprisonment despite being convicted of assaulting his former wife and causing her actual bodily harm, after a magistrate imposed a 13-month custodial sentence that will only take effect if he is subsequently convicted of another offence punishable by imprisonment.

Magistrate Abigail Gibbs handed down the sentence on Monday after considering several reports presented to the court. She concluded that Seeram’s character and record of national service favoured rehabilitation within the community rather than immediate incarceration.

Full coverageDaniel Seeram Convicted of Assaulting Former Wife, Seeks High Court Bail22 reports

In explaining her decision, Gibbs said the court found persuasive reasoning in a 2013 precedent. She further indicated that if Seeram is convicted of another offence carrying a custodial penalty, the court hearing that matter could order him to serve the 13-month sentence imposed in the assault case.