Defendant pays court costs for virtual complainant
CHINESE national Shenyo Chin, 41, of Lot 267 Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, had an unlawful assault charge against him dismissed yesterday after he paid the $7,000 court costs for the virtual complainant. The defendant appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton and pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which said, on March 28, he unlawfully assaulted Oneka Bernard.
But the woman informed the court that she does not want to offer evidence against Chin and the magistrate ordered her to pay for wasting court’s time and stationery.
However, when the magistrate fixed the sum, the defendant asked if each party can pay half. That triggered an outburst of laughter in the courtroom and Chin then handed over the money to Bernard for her to pay.