Man fined and ordered to pay compensation for assaulting woman and damaging her TV

A Barrouallie man was fined and ordered to compensate his former common-law partner for striking her in the face and head, and for damaging her television.

Keithroy Cruickshank appeared at the Serious Offences Court before Senior Magistrate, Colin John on January 2,2025, where he was charged that on December 30, 2024 at Cemetery Hill, he assaulted Michelle Thompson of Cemetery Hill causing actual bodily harm; and without lawful excuse damaged one black 32 inch TCL television valued at EC$999.00; and one pair of bifocal glasses valued at EC$1,120.00, (total value $2,119), the property of Michelle Thompson of Cemetery Hill.

The facts as outlined are that Thompson knows Cruickshank very well because they were in a common law relationship for six years. At about 4:45 p.m on the date in question Thompson was walking in the vicinity of Massy Stores, Stoney Grounds, when she saw Cruickshank, who appeared to be intoxicated. Cruickshank began to walk behind Thompson and questioned where she was coming from.

Thompson told Cruickshank that she had accompanied her mother to Kingstown. However, he doubted her and began to curse. On arrival at Thompson’s home, Cruickshank told Thompson that she and her family were bad minded. Thompson responded that Cruickshank and his family were bad minded as well. Cruickshank then approached Thompson and struck her in her face with his hands, causing her spectacles to fall to the ground; they were damaged.

Cruickshank also struck Thompson about her head with his hands and pushed her onto a nearby wall. Thompson left her home to seek refuge, and telephoned her sister, Wadeney, who arrived at her home shortly after. Thompson returned to her home along with her sister where Cruickshank tried to make amends.

However,Thompson told Cruickshank that he had to leave. Cruickshank then pulled down Thompson’s black 32 inch TCL television from its stand, causing the screen to hit the edge of the said TV stand. Thompson subsequently made a report to the police. The damaged television and glasses were retrieved and kept as exhibits. Cruickshank was later arrested and charged for assault causing actual bodily harm; and damage to property.

For assault, the senior magistrate fined Cruickshank $1,000 to be paid in three months, in default of which he will serve three months in prison. He is to also compensate Thompson $2,000 in two months or spend six months in prison. For damage to property, Cruickshank was fined $1,000 to be paid in three months or face three months in prison; and he was ordered to compensate Thompson $2,119 in one month or spend three months in prison.