Police express ‘grave disappointment’ after Magistrate grants bail to acid attack suspect

The Guyana Police Force has expressed deep concern and disappointment following the decision by a Georgetown Magistrate to grant bail to Keron Daniels, who is charged with Throwing Corrosive Fluid with Intent against Jilicia Leitch and Nirmala Sukraj.

According to a statement from the Force, Daniels first appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on 16 September 2025, where he was remanded to prison for a single day. On 17 September, he returned before Her Worship Faith McGusty, at which time the Police Prosecutor strongly opposed bail, citing a video-recorded confession from Daniels and the critical condition of one of the victims at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Medical reports indicate that the victim has lost sight in one eye and suffered severe facial disfigurement. Despite these factors, bail was granted in the sum of $500,000.

The Police noted that Daniels and one of the victims were previously in a relationship marked by conflict, and that the woman pleaded for justice from her hospital bed. The Force emphasised that violence against women remains a pressing concern in Guyana, and that such factors should be given weight when magistrates consider bail.

“The matter is further compounded by the high likelihood of these types of offences being repeated, especially when the alleged offender continues to have ready access to the victim,” the statement read.

Despite the setback, the Guyana Police Force reiterated its commitment to combatting and ultimately eradicating acts of violence against women, pledging to continue all efforts to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.