Chinese couple accused of schoolgirl beating now fearful |
Written by Alex Wayne |
Friday, 18 January 2013 22:16 |
THE Chinese couple charged with beating an 11-year-old Muslim schoolgirl in their store is now in fear for their lives. They have since beefed up security at the Stabroek, Georgetown business because of several attacks on their person and property, allegedly spearheaded by pardoned treason accused Mark Benschop. Allyssa Ren, as the businesswoman prefers to be known, told this newspaper, Wednesday, that, as a result of the number of times she and the place have been attacked, she is afraid and was forced to solicit the services of MMC security guards round the clock at her SINO MALL on Croal Street. The woman, who, mysteriously, went missing a few days after the incident, for which she was jointly prosecuted, said her fear is because persons had thrown bricks and hit her about the body. Ren said the last time they were assailed was two Thursdays ago when Benschop led a small group in which the young girl and her grandmother joined, shouting outside the store. She said, that day, the girl’s grandmother kicked and struck her with the walking stick she uses as an aid to move about. Ren said, for her safety, she had left the store in the care of her husband and stayed with a friend for several days to avoid any conflict. APPEALING The woman is appealing for the law to take its course and not leave her at the mercy of citizens, as she and her husband have already been prosecuted before the Court. “I did flog the girl because she was in my bedroom but I will prefer for the law to deal with us and not for the citizens to take matter in their own hands,” the defendant said. The businesswoman said her sales have dropped considerably since people are not visiting the store like before and, among those who come, are those just curious to see the faces of the couple. On January 6, it was reported that the Chinese proprietress had launched a physical attack on the young girl, claiming that the latter had stolen a piece of female clothing from the store. Eyewitnesses alleged that the Chinese woman had lunged at the child, let fly kicks and chops with her fist as if the girl was an adult opponent. The husband and wife were also accused of stripping the girl but the couple complained of losing more than $1M in merchandise as a result of theft and looting that occurred at the hands of intervening members of the public.
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