Yohan Hunte, 37, of 123 Laing Avenue pleaded guilty with explanation to unlawfully assaulting Hardal Singh on March 5 at Croal Street. Singh, 48, of 291 Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg on the other hand pleaded not guilty to assaulting Hunte on the same day and place.
In his explanation, Hunte told the court that he would usually assist the part-owner of Satro Store in spotting shoplifters when he is not barbering at the side of the store.
On the day in question, Hunte said that the woman left to pick up her son and asked him to secure the parking lot in front of the store. He said he then barricaded the spot and he saw Singh removing the drums. He said that he talked to him about it and Singh “chuck me.” After his explanation, the magistrate changed his plea to not guilty. Singh, in his defence told the court that Hunte came and “chuck me up just suh.” Singh then broke into tears, adding that he had known Hunte for a long time and “he like advantage people.”
Meanwhile, Hunte pleaded not guilty to making use of abusive language and threatening language towards Joseph Satrohan whereby a breach of the peace may be occasioned.
Satrohan told the court that when he went to park in front of his store he noticed two drums blocking him and he asked Singh to move them, but Hunte pushed him.
Police Prosecutor Inspector Stephen Telford did not object to bail stating that the facts were similar to what the parties had told the court. Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson placed the men on bail and Hunte was granted self-bail on the abusive language and threatening behaviour charges. The matter is to come up in Court 10 on April 15.
