The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Court Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday on separate charges of assault with a dangerous instrument.

Fresnel Mercius, 35, stood before Acting Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on charges of assault with a dangerous instrument and threats of harm.

At around noon on August 7, Mercius threatened Benoit Othello and threw rocks at him at his home on Ethel Street.

He pleaded guilty to both charges. Mercius then went on to explain that he only got into an altercation with Othello as he blamed him for getting evicted from his apartment. The defendant said he is now homeless and has four young children to take care of.

When asked by the Magistrate why he didn’t go to Social Services in reference to the wellbeing of his children, he told her that he pays for people to take care of them while he is at work. Mercius also indicated that all two of his children’s mothers currently reside in Haiti.

In view of this, Magistrate Swain granted Mercius bail at $3,000 with one or two sureties and delayed his sentencing until Social Services can be reached with regards to his situation.

Mercius’ next court date is set for October 13.

The other man, Shannon Smith, 18, of Andros, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney for charges of assault with a dangerous instrument and causing harm.

Between 12am and 2am on March 31 in Congo Town, Andros, near the Triple A Sporting Lounge, Smith is alleged to have assaulted Cleveland Forbes with a flare gun.

Then at 10.20am on July 30 in Long Bay, South Andros the defendant was further accused of assaulting Erica Darville-Godet with a rock, which resulted in serious injuries to her face.

In court, Smith pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, Prosecutor Inspector Timothy Bain objected to the accused’s bail at this time on the basis that the severity of Smith’s crimes seemed to be escalating.

Magistrate McKinney delayed bail consideration in this matter until Monday, August 15. Until that time, Smith will be remanded back to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.