Activist Mark Benschop on Wednesday cross-examined Anthony Carto, the man he is accused of assaulting during a recent protest.
Benschop, who is unrepresented by counsel, accused Carto of giving the court an inconsistent account during his cross-examination before Magistrate Geeta Chandan Edmond, who is presiding over the case at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Benschop asked him if it was not true that he [Carto] was actually protesting on behalf of the government on the day in question and not for a job as he had previously led the court to believe. The witness responded in the affirmative.
Benschop, at this point, then pointed out the inconsistency in the accounts given by the witness in the matter. At this point, Carto then retreated to his previous position, stating that he was actually protesting for a job.
Benschop, however, then contended that “clearly Carto is telling two different stories.” After asking a few other questions, Benschop told the court that he had no further questions for the witness.
The mater has been adjourned to May 16, for continuation of the trial.
In the ongoing trial, Carto who is the main witness in the matter had already given his evidence-in-chief. Five other witnesses are yet to enter the witness box to testify.
The allegation against Benschop is that on February, 25 at Georgetown, he unlawfully assaulted Carto, during a protest outside the AFC campaign office. On the same day, he is also accused of unlawfully and maliciously damaging a placard belonging to Carto.
Benschop has denied the charges, for which he was sent on his own recognisance.
Stemming from the same incident, Carto is accused of unlawfully assaulting AFC MP David Patterson. He pleaded not guilty and was admitted to self-bail.
The prosecution’s facts are that on the day in question, Benschop and Carto were involved in an argument. During the argument, Benschop allegedly accused Carto of receiving $1,000 from “Kwame” to protest and during the exchange of words the prosecution contended that he damaged the man’s placard.
Meanwhile, according to the prosecution, Carto and Patterson were arguing, when the former allegedly assaulted the MP.
