Two neighbours embroiled in a property dispute were on Thursday brought before a city court facing charges of abusive language.
Cook Dawn Allicock and former teacher Caroline Williams both tried to explain the events surrounding an altercation on January 14 in their West Ruimvedlt community when brought before Magistrate Ann McLennan.
According to Prosecutor Deniro Jones, the women are neighbours who are not on speaking terms. He added that on the day in question, Allicock placed a tank and other items at the front of a passageway and was informed by Williams that she could not do so. Williams, he said, told Allicock that the passageway is government reserve and should remain clear for firemen in cases of an emergency. Allicock reportedly became annoyed and threw a bucket of water on Williams, followed by a series of curse words.
Though Allicock pleaded guilty to the charge of abusive language when it was read to her, she denied ever having thrown water on her accuser. The 47-year-old mother of three explained that her property had been undergoing construction works and, in an effort to make room, she moved some materials into the passageway. It was then, she said, she was approached by her next door neighbour, who enquired why she was placing items into the passageway. An exchange of words followed shortly afterwards. According to Allicock, Williams went into the City Council but did not receive a satisfactory response. She continued that Williams returned home and proceeded to break her own fence down.
However, Williams offered a different account of the events. Williams pleaded not guilty to the charge of using abusive language at Allicock. She admitted that though she had exchanged words with Allicock, she had not used any abusive language towards the woman. She had, she said, told Allicock that she should not use degrading language because she had an example to set not only to her own three children but also to the children in the community. Williams further added that she did not break down her zinc fence but had bent it.
After being placed on a bond to keep the peace, fifty-three year old Williams was placed on $5,000 bail while Allicock was fined $10,000 or a default of 21 days in prison. Williams is set to return to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on February 3.
