Magistrate Azore hears intriguing assault case

By Paula Gomes

If one ever has the opportunity to sit in the courtroom of some magistrates, particularly Fabayo Azore’s on a Wednesday, then one knows that there is no end to the disputes which flood in on a weekly basis – some of which are particularly humorous. Such was the case of Andrew Sharples, a 51-year-old Stabroek Market stall operator, of A Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.
The charge against this defendant stated that on November 24, 2017, he unlawfully assaulted Desmond Gordon, occasioning actual bodily harm. nHe was also accused of using abusive language and threatening behaviour to the Virtual Complainant (VC). Sharples readily pleaded guilty to all three charges and indicated that he wished not to waste the court’s time.
According to the man, the VC who was known to him for over 15 years would communicate fabricated tales of Sharples’ extra-marital affairs to his wife. One of the confrontations between the parties took a particularly nasty twist when the complainant punched the defendant to his face and Sharples naturally responded with equal violence. “He bit my lip and I bite back…it was a quick thing and I am really sorry…it was an unfortunate incident and I don’t want to waste the court’s time,” he remorsefully told the Magistrate.
Having considered his early guilty plea and remorse, Magistrate Azore had the case discharged for good.
The other party has also been charged with the offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm to which he pleaded not guilty. That case is before another court for trial.