The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 32-year-old man who left his brother bleeding after he struck him in the head during a disagreement was yesterday placed on a year’s probation.

Dustin Bastian was charged with causing harm after he injured his older brother during a physical altercation on October 16.

He owned up to the offence during his arraignment before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain.

The court was told that around 12.40pm on the day in question, Bastian approached his older brother while he was in his neighbour’s yard. The prosecution said the accused then kicked the man before striking him on the side of his head with an object that caused him to bleed “heavily”. After his brother reported the matter, Bastian was arrested and taken to a nearby station. When he was questioned in custody, he denied the offence and claimed he was just trying to take a pickaxe from his brother.

Yesterday, Bastian was represented by attorney C Alex Dorsette. He told the magistrate his client was a married father of two with no previous convictions. Mr Dorsette also said Bastian only committed the offence because he was defending his sister after his brother allegedly assaulted her. He said the accused acted in the heat of the moment and insisted he was remorseful for his actions.

After listening to his plea in mitigation, Magistrate Swain accepted Bastian’s guilty plea and placed him on probation for one year. If he fails to be of good behaviour during that time frame, he could risk spending six months behind bars.

Yesterday, Bastian was further ordered to compensate his brother $500 for his injuries. Magistrate Swain said if he did not, he would be sentenced to 30 days in prison.