Surrender to cops then ask questions says magistrate

Christian Young, 21, of Old Train Line in St Margaret’s Village, Claxton Bay pleaded guilty yesterday in the San Fernando Magistrates Court to the two charges. He has two previous convictions, one for resisting arrest and the other for obstructing police. The magistrate further remarked that it appears Young, “just does not like to get arrested.” Court prosecutor Cleyon Sedan told the court that at 3 pm last Friday, PCs Rampersad and Buchoon of St Margaret’s Police Station were on mobile patrol along Southern Main Road in Claxton Bay. On reaching St Margaret’s Junction, the officers observed Young, who was a “suspect of a serious crime”, walking along the roadway.

The court heard that the officers approached Young and asked him to accompany them to the police station.

As the officers began searching him, Young pushed PC Buchoon to the ground. PC Rampersad was also assaulted by Young who then ran away. Both officers sought medical treatment at the Couva District Health Facility.

At about midday on Tuesday, Cpl Suliman met Young at the police station and subsequently charged him. In his defence, Young who was unrepresented, said he had intended to go to the police station. Magistrate Forde- John remarked that in 2015, he appeared in court charged with obstructing police and resisting arrest.

Before she fined him $3,000 to cover both charges, Forde-John suggested that when next he sees the police coming, surrender to them and ask questions later. She further ordered that he pay the officers a total of $1,300 in compensation.