Miner charged for unlawfully assaulting peace officer, smoking cannabis

A 50-year-old North West District, Region One, resident was on Tuesday placed on bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on charges of unlawfully assaulting a peace officer and smoking cannabis.

Kenneth Small pleaded guilty with explanation to both charges, however after the Magistrate heard the defendant’s explanation, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

It was alleged that on November 4, 2016, at Barama Line, North West District, he unlawfully assaulted peace officer, Police Constable Marvin Sam, while he was executing his duty.

It was also alleged that on the same day he was found smoking cannabis.

The accused, who was unrepresented, told the court that on the day in question, he was standing next to a man who was smoking but after he saw the Police, he dropped the illegal substance and ran.

He said that he told the Policeman what occurred and in turn, the officer told him that he now owes him $50,000. As such, Small claimed he told the Policeman that he does not work for him so he owes him nothing. The accused further stated that he decided to go to the Police station, of his own will, where he met with the officer that made false reports against him.

However, the prosecution stated that the man pushed the Police Constable to make way to escape on foot, which he did successfully. The prosecution added that the defendant was later cautioned and arrested for the aforementioned offences.

Small was granted $20,000 bail and ordered to return to court on February, 6, 2017, at the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrate’s Court.