Mustafa Claxton (left) and Charles Plaza both denied charges of assault when they appeared before the Magistrate's Court. Photo:VINO

Mustafa Claxton, 27, and Charles Plaza, 42, both pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when they appeared before the Magistrate’s court on February 7, 2013.

When the two men appeared before the court, Crown Counsel Leslie Ann Faulkner announced that the prosecution would not be able to proceed with the matter due to 'administrative issues' being experienced at the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The incident reportedly stemmed from Plaza’s missing samurai sword. When it was discovered missing, Plaza allegedly struck the Virtual Complainant beneath his chin, causing an injury to his tongue, which started to bleed.

Faulkner told the court that disclosure would be made in the interim to Attorney at law Stephen Daniels, who represents Claxton in the matter. Claxton is accused of striking the VC with a stick.

The two men, currently on bail, are now expected to return to court on July 9, 2013 for continuation of their matter.

See previous story posted February 9, 2013:

Missing samurai sword showdown leads to assault charges 

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Two men were brought before the court on assault charges following an alleged altercation that resulted from a missing samurai sword.

Mustafa Claxton, 27, and Charles Plaza, 42, both pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when they appeared before the Magistrate’s court on February 7, 2013.

Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham told the court that the 21 year old Virtual Complainant (VC) was living with his mom, stepfather (Charles) and Plaza along with other siblings at the time of the incident in Free Bottom. Claxton is also reportedly a resident of the Free Bottom area and lives in close proximity to the VC.

It was stated that Plaza went home on December 2, 2012 and met the VC on the porch; he reportedly enquired of the whereabouts of a samurai sword and the VC indicated to him that he did not know the whereabouts of the sword. The defendant then allegedly punched the VC with his fist under his chin and caused injury to his tongue, which started to bleed.

The VC then reportedly left for Brewley’s Superette and was approached by Plaza and Claxton; Claxton then allegedly struck him with a piece of stick about his body. A report was subsequently made to the Police.

The Police visited the area and reportedly saw the VC with blood on his nose, bruises on his arms and back after which he was transported to Peebles Hospital where he reportedly received medical attention.

Police later met with Plaza and he was cautioned of the complaint against him. He reportedly denied the charge. They later encountered Claxton and it is alleged that he admitted to hitting the VC with a stick. Claxton allegedly told the Police that the VC had pulled his hair and this prompted the action.

Both defendants were charged and placed before the court. Crown counsel Graham indicated that the prosecution intends to bring a further charge of assault against Plaza.

Claxton was given $45,000 bail while Plaza was given $50,000 bail; both with one signed surety. The men were also asked to have no form of contact with the VC. Plaza has since reportedly removed from the premises.

Both defendants are to return to court on March 6, 2013.