A man yesterday appeared in court for threatening his girlfriend to burn her house down, but he came under the heat after his reputed wife was present in court and found out about his unfaithfulness.
Peter Thompson, 45, of 78 D’Urban Street, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson and pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on June 2, he made use of threatening language to Shelly Norton, causing a breach of the peace.
The defendant was represented by Attorney-at-law Mr. Patrice Henry who stated that his client has an ongoing relationship with the virtual complainant. He said the relationship became sour when his client refused to marry the virtual complainant.
The lawyer said his client lives with his reputed wife and has a visiting relationship with the virtual complainant. He said on the day in question, Norton asked the defendant to marry her and after he refused, she became annoyed and made the allegation against his client.
The virtual complainant said she wishes not to proceed with the case because she loves the defendant. She said on the day in question, she and the defendant had an argument, but it was not concerning her marriage proposal.
The woman said she had asked the defendant to marry her a while ago and he refused. She admitted knowledge of the defendant reputed wife, but stated that she still loves him although he is hurting her heart. She said she was involved with the defendant for 18 months.
The virtual complainant was asked by the prosecutor to enter into the witness box since she did not want to proceed with the case. While the woman was in the witness box, the defendant’s reputed wife stood beside him and listened attentively.
The reputed wife claimed that she was not aware of her husband’s unfaithfulness since he would remind her of how much he loves her everyday before he leaves the home.
As the reputed wife explained to the magistrate her awareness of the relationship, the defendant stood quietly dripping in perspiration.
When the magistrate enquired from the defendant as to whom he loves, he only smiled in response.
The reputed wife told the magistrate that she is living with the defendant for 30 years and he has to make a decision.
Thompson was placed on a bond to keep the peace for two years and had to pay $10,000 court cost.