(PLTM) - A Dominica national, Keith Panthier, 42, pleaded not guilty to the charge of common assault, stemming from accusations of him choking his daughter-in-law. Details of the matter revealed that on January 2, while at his home in Carrot Bay, the accused and his daughter-in-law, who is under the age of 18, got into a disagreement, which led to a verbal exchange. The court heard that during the argument, the minor began recording the altercation on her smartphone. This allegedly made the accused upset, and a wrestle between the two began soon after, as Panthier attempted to take the phone. Allegedly, Panthier choked the minor, retrieved the phone and slammed it to the ground. The court also heard that another child in the home attempted to call the police, but Panthier grabbed that phone as well and slammed it to the ground, shattering its screen. He was offered bail in the sum of $40,000 with two sureties, and was ordered to attend to counselling sessions at the Family Support Network. Panthier will make another appearance on July 11 to begin his trial.
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