A pregnant teen mother appeared in court on Tuesday facing several charges including resisting arrest and unlawfully assaulting a police officer.
Sholana Dawson, 19, who is expecting her second child, is in her first trimester. She currently resides at 65 Hadfield Street with her mother and her four-year-old son. Dawson pleaded guilty to three charges read to her by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry; resisting arrest, unlawful assault and disorderly behaviour.
Prosecutor Michael Grant related to the court that on April 5, Guyana Power and Light (GPL) employees accompanied by police ranks visited the home of Dawson under the suspicion that residents were illegally diverting electricity.
Police Constable Marks attempted to arrest Dawson who pulled away and shouted a string of expletives, Grant said. Constable Marks once again attempted to arrest her, and even though the arrest was successful Dawson was said to have kicked the Constable in her stomach.
Dawson was represented by Attorney Mark Thompson who accredited her passion to her “raging hormones.” During the proceedings, Dawson gave her version of the events postulating that she only acted in such a violent manner because she was “in a passion” after the ranks rudely invaded her home. During the court session the defendant also apologized to the constable she assaulted.
There was no objection to bail and the teen was placed on probation which will determine the outcome of the matter and her candidacy for the Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) Programme. The report will be delivered in court on May 9.
