Man found guilty of assaulting police officer, fined $300
A LAWYER IS DISSATISFIED that camera footage which captured an incident where a civilian was allegedly shot by a policeman was “erased” because of lack of memory in the camera.
Sjada Daniel appeared at the Serious Offences Court before Chief Magistrate, Colin John, on August, 25, 2025 where he was found guilty of assaulting a police officer with intent to commit the offence of wounding; and possessing an offence weapon, to wit, scissors.
Both offences were committed on March, 21, 2025 in Kingstown. In delivering the court’s judgement, Chief Magistrate John said that based on his admission, Daniel had a pair of scissors at the time of the offence.
The prosecution’s case was that Daniel had scissors and raised them at an officer. However, Daniel claimed that he had the scissors to chip up some weed [marijuana]. The Chief Magistrate said that both cases are unlawful, as marijuana is only accepted in certain quantities.
Therefore, based on Daniel’s admission, he was found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon, a pair of scissors. With respect to the offence of assault, the Chief Magistrate again noted that Daniel had the scissors.
He also noted Daniel’s apparent fear. However, the Chief Magistrate stated that it is more difficult for a person to shoot a moving object than one that is stationary.
John continued that Daniel did not get shot in the legs or his back, instead, he was shot in his right hand. He also observed that this was the same hand that Daniel raised at the officer and co-incidentally, got shot when, according to Daniel, he was running away from the police.
“The court believes the police version of the events,” the Chief Magistrate said. Daniel’s lawyer, Grant Connell, said that his client is the father of a five month old baby, and a five year old. His previous convictions included theft and burglary but nothing similar to assault.
He said that Daniel is extremely remorseful for his actions and that the officer did not suffer any injuries during the assault.
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