W.I Cricketer in Domestic Abuse Spat

Sat, Aug 16, '03

A star West Indian cricketer was held and questioned by police yesterday for allegedly beating his wife, the Trinidad Guardian reported on Saturday. The newspaper did not name the cricketer.

Police said the cricketer?s wife went to the St Clair Police Station shortly after 10 am, claiming she was beaten by the six-footer. Investigating officers said she told them it was not the first time she was beaten and assaulted by her husband of more than two years.

They said the incident stemmed from a family dispute. The newspaper quoted sources saying that when the wife reported the matter to the police, they sought advice from his teammates, after which the cricketer walked into the station.

The spokesman said West Indies captain Brian Lara, who arrived from Barbados yesterday to attend to personal business, visited the station and spoke to the couple there. Lara left for New York on Friday afternoon.

According to the Trinidad Guardian, the police took detailed statements from the couple and called in the Community Policing Unit to counsel them. Investigators said the couple eventually resolved their differences and left quietly.

Officers said no charges would be laid, the paper said.