A 22-year-old Canadian medical student enrolled at the American University of Antigua (AUA), has found himself behind bars after an episode of abuse led to his expulsion from the institution.
The incident, which Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel described as “horrifying,” revolved around Marc Wanis’ tumultuous relationship with his 20-year-old girlfriend, who was also a student at AUA.
An abusive relationship
Reports are that the couple had been together for nearly two years before their relationship turned dark.
According to the complainant, Wanis started to abuse her verbally
She said despite threatening her, he never put his hands on her until March 28 when he coerced her into coming to his residence under the threat of releasing compromising images and videos of her.
A troubling encounter
Upon her arrival at Wanis’ residence, she was thrust into a harrowing ordeal. Wanis brandished a knife and proceeded to vandalize her belongings, including smashing her phone, cutting her student ID, and subjecting her to physical violence by biting her face and cutting her hand with the weapon. He then forced her to drive to a specific location, where he subjected her to further humiliation.
Escalation of violence
Reports are that at the remote site, Wanis issued demeaning orders, compelling her to kneel and beg for mercy.
The situation took a terrifying turn as he forcibly removed her hijab and threatened her life if she tried to retrieve it, tossing it onto a tree branch.
After the disturbing episode at the remote location, he directed her to return to his residence.
Subsequently, she drove back to her own home. However, her ordeal was far from over. An hour later, Wanis appeared at her residence and continued the assault, resorting to kicking, choking, and even cutting her hair.
Destruction inside her home
The abusive onslaught extended inside her home, resulting in significant damage to items valued at approximately $3000.
Despite the severity of the abuse, the victim chose to suffer in silence, delaying the reporting of the crime for an entire month.
Arrest and charges
Following an extensive police investigation, Wanis was arrested and charged. In court, he admitted to one count of battery and two counts of malicious damage.
Wanis was sentenced to seven days in jail for the physical assault.
Additionally, he was fined nearly $5,000 for the damages incurred to the victim’s property.
, has found himself behind bars){kind=link}