College student fined $400 for using threatening language

The Community College student who video-taped a fight between a van driver and a police officer has been charged for comments captured by his own recording.{{more}}

Layou resident, Phillip Arrindel, 21, was arrested and charged with making use of threatening language against Police Constable 806 Chet Solomon, to wit, “box down (expletive) Chet” on January 24.

Arrindel who appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Friday, January 31, pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $400.

Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias ordered Arrindel to pay $200 forthwith. He was also ordered to pay the remainder by yesterday, Monday or spend two weeks in jail.

In court, Arrindel apologized for his actions and said he was prompted by others to film the fight.

He also stated that he got himself into trouble and no one was in court to support him.

The van driver, Eliyet Guy of Calder, was slapped with six charges, to which he pleaded not guilty.

He was charged with damaging a police shirt, whistle chain, buttons and a Haynes T-shirt, the property of Solomon.

He was also charged with assault, resisting arrest, making use of indecent language, obstruction of traffic and stopping minibus HB158 in a place other than a bus stop.

The matters have been adjourned to February 10 for trial.

Arrindel’s video, posted on popular social media site FaceBook showed a scuffle between the constable and van driver just above the E T Joshua Airport, on January 24.