-
by pltm
(PLTM) - In his first appearance before the Magistrate’s Court, an unrepresented Antonio Stephens, 34, of the Dominican Republic, informed the court to proceed with his matter as Jesus is his lawyer.
Stephens’ initially pleaded not guilty to the charge of affray, which stems from a fight between him and another male on April 18th on Flemming Street. Both men were charged in the matter.
The accused told the court, “I am not guilty, he was the aggressor.”
Subsequent to the allegations being read, Stephens changed his not guilty plea to guilty, and told the court that he repents for what he did.
According to the allegations laid out by the crown, on April 18th 2016, officers received a report of an altercation taking place on Flemming Street, in the vicinity of the Flow building.
On arrival, officers witnessed both the accused and another male arguing. The accused was also bleeding from the left hand.
Under questioning, the court heard that both men accused each other of being the aggressor.
The accused told officers while he was walking on the road, he was attacked by the co-accused, who then cut him on his hand with a bottle.
The co-accused told officers that he was walking across Flemming Street coming from Riteway, when he was suddenly attacked by the accused. He claimed that this was followed by the accused collecting bottles and rocks and throwing them at him.
It was at this point after the allegations were read that the accused changed his plea to guilty and went on to inform the court that the altercation was a result of a work issue.
He also told the court that no stones were involved in the incident and the cut on his hand was as a result of the watch on the hand of the co accused.
“I repent for what I did. I'm sorry, I won't do it again. Give me a chance," Stephens told the court.
Stephens was fined $700 or serve two months in prison.
-----
Copyright 2023 by Virgin Islands Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
