Pensioner slapped with assault charge

A pensioner was on Wednesday slapped with an assault charge when he appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Christel Lambert.
Joel Harper, 69, of Lot 7 Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), pleaded not guilty to the offence, which he allegedly committed on May 28, 2016 at Tuschen, EBE when he assaulted Norman Duke with intent to cause bodily harm.
The prosecution is contending that on the day in question, the Virtual Complainant (VC) was riding a bicycle when he struck the defendant causing him to fall. Upon getting up from the road, the defendant took up a piece of wood and dealt the VC multiple lashes.
As a result, the VC had to be rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was treated and sent away.
The matter was reported to the Police Outpost at Tuschen and then to the Leonora Police Station.
The defendant was later arrested and charged with the offence of assault.
When given an opportunity to speak in Court, he explained that he was upset because the VC was careless. Magistrate Lambert explained to the defendant that his actions could not be justified, and ordered him to seek anger management counselling.
He was granted bail in the sum of ,000. The case will continue on June 22.