E-Bike Ride Ends In Spousal Abuse. Man Assaulted His Wife, Kicking Her In The Neck After She Asked For A Divorce
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By Alric Lindsay
Indra Kumar Shrestha appeared in the Summary Court today, January 19, 2026, to face a charge of common assault, involving an abuse of his wife. The Chief Magistrate imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, requiring him to attend counselling sessions.
According to the prosecution, Shrestha, who is in the Cayman Islands working on a farm on a temporary work permit, travelled from Nepal due to financial problems.
Reportedly, on March 11, 2025, Shrestha called his wife to say he was near the Indigo hotel but he didn’t have money to take the bus. Subsequently, he asked her for a ride on her e-bike.
While on the e-bike, an argument developed, at which time the wife reiterated that she did not want to be in a relationship anymore. Unfortunately, when she stopped the e-bike, she slipped and fell to the ground.
Reportedly, Shrestha kicked his wife in the neck while she was on the ground, kicked her in the knee, pulled her hair and shoved her head over the bridge near the Kimpton hotel. It was noted that she had intense pain because of the experience.
It is understood that a passerby stopped to render assistance, and Shrestha fled the scene.
Shrestha’s wife later gave a written statement to the police.
When Shrestha was interviewed on March 18, 2025 under caution, he admitted to the allegations against him. However, there was a turn of events on March 19, 2025 when Shrestha’s wife reportedly provided a “no action” statement, explaining that she was working on rekindling the marriage.
Subsequently, on July 9, 2025, Shrestha pled not guilty. This was followed by a guilty plea on September 19, 2025.
During the sentencing hearing today, the prosecution argued that the starting point for crime was three months’ custody with a sentencing range of a fine to six months. The prosecution added that there were aggravating factors, including the fact that the assault occurred in a public place.
Arguing on Shrestha’s behalf, defence attorney Stacy-Ann Kelly said that Shrestha’s account of the incident differed from his wife. Reportedly, Shrestha initially denied the number of kicks and pulling her hair, but later accepted that he kicked her one time.
Kelly added that the series of events started when Shrestha asked his wife to borrow $2 to take the bus. However, Kelly said Shrestha’s wife ended up giving him a ride on her e-bike, during which she reiterated that she wanted a divorce.
After analysing the harm done and culpability, Kelly suggested that the starting point for sentencing was a fine, with a sentencing range of a discharge to a fine.
During the sentencing, the Chief Magistrate explicitly condemned the act. She declared:
I must accept that there are some cultural differences, [but] your wife is not a property and your wife is not an object to be abused.
This underscores the court’s view that spousal abuse is unacceptable, regardless of any cultural or personal rationales.
In making a tough decision, however, the Chief Magistrate noted the importance of maintaining the family unit. She explained:
If there is a chance that the family unit can be preserved, then that chance must be given.
This suggests the decision aims to avoid irreversible harm to the family, assuming rehabilitation is possible.
The Chief Magistrate also noted the unfairness in Shrestha’s inability to fully participate in certain rehabilitation programs due to language issues.
Ultimately, the Chief Magistrate gave Shrestha a conditional discharge, stating: “In the circumstances, I’m going to give you a conditional discharge for 12 months.” (This is not an immediate conviction but a probationary period.)
The probation conditions are as follows:
** No further abuse towards his wife
** Mandatory counselling
If Shrestha successfully completes any counseling requirements, and there is no other report made to the police within a 12-month period, then no conviction will be recorded. (This allows Shrestha to avoid a permanent criminal record, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.)
