“An overflow of enthusiasm” was blamed for a man assaulting an elderly woman at the PNCR Region 4 Regional Conference.  However, he was granted $50,000 bail after his offer of compensation was refused by the complainant yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Sherwin Benjamin, 29, 218 Pike Street, Kitty, pleaded not guilty to the charge of unlawful assault when it was read to him by acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson. It is alleged that on May 23 at Congress Place, Sophia, he unlawfully assaulted and maliciously wounded Merlene Nelson, to cause her actual bodily harm.

He was represented by attorney Vic Puran, who said the incident was “an overflow of enthusiasm at the PNC meeting of party members.” Puran said that his client was willing to offer $75,000 compensation to Nelson. He added that his client said he slapped Nelson because she spat on him.

However, Nelson said she was sitting in Congress Place when she saw Benjamin at the door.  “I felt a sudden cuff to my head and fell,” she said. Nevertheless, she added, she recognised Benjamin, whom she said got away in a waiting vehicle. She opined that the action was pure malice. When asked by the magistrate if she was willing to accept the amount offered by Benjamin, Nelson said it was not enough. In response, Puran said, “Let’s go to trial.”

The prosecutor asked Nelson how much she wanted.  She replied $100,000. Puran replied that they were not prepared to pay the amount. Instantly, Nelson said, “I’ll settle for the 75,” provoking laughter in the court room. Puran insisted that the matter go to trial. he case was put down for June 4 at Court 2.