Vincentian beats woman in front of police in BVI

Vincentian Vernon Campbell Jr returns to court in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) today Friday October 7 where he will be sentenced for pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and common assault.

Campbell who will appear before Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards is accused of beating his lover in the presence of Police Officers who had to use a Taser on him to get him to calm down.{{more}}

According to an online publication, BVInews.com, Campbell cried uncontrollably when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Richards on October 4.

The online paper said that the 21-year-old accused told the court that he hit his lover – who is 10 years his senior – because he heard her call another man “boo”.

“I beg you, please to give me a next chance. I love her so much… I promise myself I will never do that again. I never been in this position before; this is my first time,” Campbell said as he literally wept in court.

According to the prosecution, Campbell arrived in the British Virgin Islands on September 27 this year to visit his girlfriend for a month.

Three days after his arrival, police were called to their Paraquita Bay residence.

It is said that the landlord had contacted the police because the couple was involved in an altercation.

Campbell and the woman were escorted to the East End Police Station where police reasoned with them and instructed them to keep the peace. Campbell then opted to stay at a hotel room which was made available for him.

According to BVInews.com, the police then escorted the couple back to the Paraquita Bay residence for Campbell to collect his belongings.

“The court heard that after they arrived at the home, Campbell went to the side of the police vehicle where his lover was seated and demanded the key to enter the residence.

Shortly afterwards, he reportedly became enraged, shoved his lover, and landed several blows about her body.

The police tried to restrain him but, after failed attempts, they shot him with a taser,” said the online news site.

The woman sustained swelling and soft tissue injuries to the head as well as a contusion to the right eye, and tenderness in the upper body.

Campbell was then arrested.

During a police interview, Campbell admitted to launching the attack.

He further said: “I am really sorry; I would not do her any harm.”

On Tuesday Campbell explained to the court that while they were at the police station on the first occasion, he heard his girlfriend call a male “boo” over the phone and then said “Baby, come pick me up”.

“That get me upset,” Campbell admitted.

Asked about his educational background, Campbell told the court that he only studied up to Grade 8 at secondary school.

He also stated that he had been homeless since he was about 12 years old.

BVInews said that after hearing his story, Magistrate Richards said: “If any of what you said is true, [then] you have to be dysfunctional.”

She added: “Your social skills haven’t been developed because the streets can’t raise children.”