One dollar debt lands Questelles man in court

A Lower Questelles man was bonded for pushing a vendor to the ground causing him to strike his head on a step, after refusing to repay the vendor the dollar that he owed him.

Garfield Baptiste, 57, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before Senior Magistrate, Colin John on Wednesday, January 10, where he pleaded guilty that on January, 8, 2024 at Lower Questelles he did unlawfully and maliciously wound Lenord Nedd, 65, of Lower Questelles.

The facts which were read by PC 196 Constantine are that Nedd usually plants short crops and sells them to villagers. Nedd knows Baptiste but they aren’t friends. On Saturday January, 6, 2024 Nedd was selling okra at a cost of $6.00 per bag.

Baptiste purchased a bag from Nedd, but paid only $5.00; he promised to pay the remaining $1.00 at a later date. On Monday, January, 8, 2024 about 12:15 p.m Nedd was at “Smithy” shop and Baptiste was there as well.

Nedd approached Baptiste and asked him about the money. Baptiste became annoyed and pushed Nedd who fell to the ground and struck his head on a step.

Nedd went to the Questelles Police Station to report the matter. PC 1008 Pope entertained his report and issued him with two copies of medical forms to visit the District Medical Officer (DMO).

The forms were returned to the police with the doctor’s findings and signature written on them. Investigations were carried out into the matter.

On Tuesday, January, 9, 2024 Baptiste was taken into custody and was informed of the report made against him. He was later cautioned and interviewed in the presence of PC 760 John.

Baptiste volunteered a written statement admitting to the offence. He was subsequently arrested and charged for the offence of wounding and was served with a copy of the charge sheet and injury form.

He has no antecedents.

Baptiste said that he pushed Nedd because “I told him to get out me face…I get out the shop…he following behind me.”

John then ordered Baptiste to compensate Nedd in the sum of $500 in one month. Failure to do so will result in six months imprisonment. Baptiste was also bonded in the sum of $600, with a default of six months in prison.