A passenger’s alleged refusal to pay a bus driver his fare, resulted in an altercation between the two, with the bus driver suffering several injuries about his face, after being hit with a beer bottle.
Twenty-year-old Stephon Allen stood before Magistrate Judy Latchman, who read him a charge which stated that on August 25, at Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt, he inflicted grievous bodily harm on Esan Henry.
Allen initially pleaded guilty to the charge after it was read to him.
Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves told the court that on the day in question, the defendant joined the complainant’s minibus and upon arrival at his destination refused to pay the fare. The defendant then exited the bus and approached the complainant, which resulted in an argument between the two.
It was at this time that Allen picked up a beer bottle that was lying on the road and dealt Henry several lashes to his face, resulting in injuries. The matter was reported and Henry was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was medically examined. Allen was then arrested and informed of the allegation, where he admitted in a caution statement to the offence.
Henry, was seen by this newspaper, with several stitches to his face, nose, ears and the back of his head. The medical, which was shown to the Magistrate, stated that the injuries which Henry sustained are not immediately life threatening, but will leave permanent scars.
Allen, when asked by the Magistrate why he had attacked Henry, told the court that Henry had attacked him first.
As a result, his plea was changed to not guilty.
The prosecutor made no objection to bail being granted, and as such, the accused was granted $100,000 bail.
He will make his next court appearance before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on September 20.
