The Tribune

A MAN was ordered to attend anger management classes yesterday after assaulting his sister and another man.

Hakeem Saunders, 21, faced Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, on two counts of assault and one of stealing.

Sometime in May in New Providence, Saunders is accused of stealing his sister’s $350 black tablet.

He was also accused of assaulting Ms Clayvonna Lockhart and Zaveon Brice at 9:15pm on May 27. On that evening the accused is reported to have pushed his sister for poking him in the face and also punched Brice on his hip.

While neither complainant reported any injuries in relation to the incident, Saunders admitted assaulting them during the official police record of interview.

In court, Saunders pleaded guilty to all three counts against him. However, he told the magistrate he didn’t steal the tablet, but that a friend he had taken to his sister’s house had.

When the magistrate moved to change Saunders‘ plea for theft to not guilty the accused insisted on keeping the plea the same, as he offered to take financial responsibility for the stolen item.

The accused also said he accepted responsibility and was remorseful for his actions.

Magistrate Allen ordered the accused to compensate his sister the value of the stolen tablet and return to court on June 17 to confirm that the debt had been paid.

Saunders was further placed on a conditional discharge for both assault charges. He is expected to register himself to attend anger management classes for six months at the Department of Rehabilitation Services on JFK Drive.

Upon completion of the courses, the accused is to return to court on December 2 for evaluation of his progress. Failing to attend these courses would result in Saunders facing three months in prison on each assault count.