Dhansook told: ‘Put your foot down’

Dhansook’s daughter and the male relative pleaded guilty in the Rio Claro Magistrates’ Court yesterday to charges of using obscene language.

Police prosecutor Sgt Ramesh Rampersadsingh told the court that Dhansook’s daughter and the male relative were arrested on Saturday along the Naparima Mayaro Road, Rio Claro in the vicinity of Singer Store.

Relating the facts to the court, Rampersadsingh said that at about 1.45 am, police officers of the Rio Claro, Police Station were investigating a report of a wounding near Singer. They observed Francis approaching a crowd to which she shouted several obscenities. Francis told the court, she saw one of her male relatives in the police van and told him he was stubborn and used an obscenity when she did so.

Rampersadsingh said Dhansook’s 16-year-old relative also approached the crowd cursing. In explaining his action, the teenager said he was trying to get his cousin home. He expressed remorse for his actions and offered to apologise to the policeman who arrested him.

Jokhan accepted the teen’s offer and allowed him to apologise to the policeman in open court.

Jokhan then turned his attention to councillor Dhansook, telling him: “Mr Dhansook, you have to put your foot down and ensure that they listen to you. When my child was his age (magistrate points to Dhansook’s teenage relative), after six o’clock he could not go outside.”

Dhansook replied, “Yes, sir.” The magistrate then discharged the teenager with a warning, “You don’t have another chance coming your way.” Jokhan ordered Francis to pay the fine immediately.