Bequia man hauled before court again

A Bequia man, who has alleged police harassment and beatings on numerous occasions, is expected to appear before the Bequia Magistrate’s Court today on three more charges.

Shemroy Stowe, a resident of Friendship, is charged that on March 15 at Lower Bay, he entered the premises of Laurel Joseph with intent to commit assault.

He is further charged that on March 19 at Ocar, he did assault Laurel Joseph of Ocar, Bequia, causing actual bodily harm.

Stowe also faces a charge of assaulting Laurel Joseph.

The Bequia man pleaded not guilty to all three charges at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Elgin Richards made no objection to Stowe’s bail; however, he asked that he have no contact with the virtual complainant (VC) and that the matter be transferred to Bequia Magistrate’s Court.

Stowe’s lawyer, Grant Connell, however, told the court that the VC has no interest in the matter and alleged that every other week Stowe is harassed and beaten by police.

Magistrate Bertie Pompey told Connell that he is not casting any judgement, but although he claims that his client is being harassed, the VC in the matters is not a police officer.

Last November, Stowe appeared before the Serious Offences Court charged with two counts of resisting arrest, two counts of assaulting a police officer, one count of possession of a controlled drug and two counts of indecent language.

Connell went on to argue that all former charges against his client have been dismissed and that police must know they are employees and not paid to beat.

Stowe was granted bail in the sum of $2,000, with one surety and ordered to have no contact with Joseph. (AS)