Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News
Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News
Curt Smith has denied allegations that he dealt his Guyanese companion blows to her face at his business establishment in Brandywine Bay.
Smith, 46 and a BVIslander, was represented by Attorney at law Ruthilia Maximea. He pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appeared in court today, January 30. He was granted $45,000 bail signed surety and ordered to attend the Partnership for Peace programme.
Prosecutor Valston Graham said the complainant is the girlfriend of Smith and she also works for him at his Brandywine Bay business.
He said on December 18, 2012, sometime around midday, the two were engaged in a conversation which spilled over into an argument on December 19.
Graham said following this argument the complainant was in a conversation with Winston Thomas. According to the Crown, Smith observed this and approached the complainant and accused her of telling Thomas his business.
Graham told the court that Smith allegedly lifted the woman up and hit her face against the kitchen counter. He then struck her with his fist to the face and she fell to the floor, suffering injuries to her face.
A report was then made to the police station. He said based on medical records the woman suffered injuries to her right forehead, and laceration to her nose.
Meanwhile, lawyer Maximea in her bail application said Smith is a self-employed fisherman and also operates a mini business in the area of Brandywine Bay.
She also related to the court that Smith and the complainant have been in an on and off relationship for some seven years.
She said they continue to see each other following the December 19 incident, and the woman also sleeps at his home at times.
Maximea said the woman has two children that Smith assists her with financially, and he also has one of his own who he
supports. She said they do not share any children together.
The lawyer told the court that her client is currently seeing a psychologist.
He will return to court on February 15.
