Musician fined for beating man with a cutlass

A musician has been fined for beating a man about his body with a cutlass after having a disagreement.

Edwin Johnson, of Greiggs, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before Senior Magistrate, Colin John on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 where he pleaded guilty that on October 14, 2023 at Lowmans Windward, he did assault Alex Browne of Lowmans Windward causing actual bodily harm.

Before PC 196 Constantine read the facts, Johnson said that he was travelling in a van where he asked Browne if he had any children. However, Johnson said that Browne took offence to his question and responded to him, “That’s why I have to f- out your woman.” Johnson continued that he was hurt by the comment, and approached Browne on a different occasion to enquire the reason behind his outburst, and an altercation broke out.

The facts stated that Johnson and Browne know each other very well but are not on speaking terms. On the morning of October 14, 2023, Johnson became annoyed with Browne and started beating Browne about his body with a cutlass. Browne then fell to the ground but Johnson continued beating him with the cutlass. PC Forde visited the scene, conducted investigations into the matter and took some witness statements.

Johnson was interviewed and volunteered a statement to the police. He has no antecedents.

When the Senior Magistrate asked Johnson if he agreed with the facts, Johnson replied in the affirmative, but made it clear that the ‘cutlass’ he used was a wooden sword, and that during the incident Browne fell in a drain while looking for a stone.

He also told the Senior Magistrate that “In the village…[Browne] was well known for cussing people out.”

The magistrate responded to Johnson that if that were the case, “you could have brought him to court for defamation instead of physical confrontation.” John also reprimanded him for confronting Browne on another occasion even after the incident had already occurred.

The magistrate informed Johnson that the maximum sentence for such an offence is two years imprisonment. However, John imposed a $1,000 fine, which is to be paid in three months with a default of three months imprisonment.