Jonathan Turnbull, 29, of Baugher’s Bay was found guilty of wounding another man following a trial before the Magistrate’s Court today, February 17, 2014. Photo: VINO

Jonathan Turnbull, 29, pleaded not guilty to the offences of criminal damage and wounding when he appeared before the Magistrate’s court on October 18, 2013. Photo: Facebook

The incident, which occurred on August 16, 2013 at Baugher’s Bay left the Virtual Complainant (VC) with a laceration behind his left ear and a damaged vehicle.

A charge of criminal damage was also dismissed against Turnbull who was unrepresented during the trial.

The court heard testimony from the investigating officer and the VC in the matter before Turnbull took the stand to offer evidence in his own defence.

Turnbull, a retail clothing salesman, told the court that he was on the way to get some dish washing liquid at a corner store in Baugher’s Bay when he observed the defendant, whom he had known for over a decade, standing near his jeep.

He approached the VC to question him on allegations made by his sister that the VC had sexually harassed her but said the VC denied knowledge of the situation and told him to remove from before him.

“I punched him in the face but I can’t remember where I hit him,” Turnbull testified. He said the VC also hit him before a third party came out of nowhere throwing glass bottles in their direction.  

Both men testified to running away at this point and could not say who had damaged the VC’s jeep. Turnbull said he does not wear rings and told the court the VC may have received a laceration from his knuckles (which he reportedly injured) because he was a ‘big dude’ but noted he had only hit the VC once.

Magistrate Dr Velon L. John ruled that there was an element of reasonable doubt with regard to the criminal damage charge as both men said they didn’t know who damaged the car.            

The Court ordered that Turnbull be fined $200 and compensate the VC in the sum of $400. Both monies are to be paid within 30 days or the defendant will face a period of 60 days in prison.

See previous story posted January 8, 2014:

Jonathan Turnbull denied freedom after being granted bail 

- Defendant complains of injustice in not having surety accepted

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A man, who was granted bail by the Magistrate’s Court, has complained that he is being denied his freedom even after his surety has met the necessary conditions for the bail requirement.

Jonathan Turnbull, 29, pleaded not guilty to the offences of criminal damage and wounding when he appeared before the Magistrate’s court on October 18, 2013.

However, the defendant was granted $50,000 signed bail with one surety but has not been able to secure his freedom up to this point.

Turnbull told the court yesterday, January 7, 2014 that his surety was denied because of an absence of funds in their bank account even though their property was enough to cover the bail amount.

The defendant also opted to act in his own defence during the hearing yesterday, telling the court that he no longer wants a lawyer. He was previously represented by Attorney Marie Lou Creque.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Dr. Velon John said the issue of his bail is an administrative matter that should be resolved through a suitable hearing that will be held today January 8.

According to the allegations, at about 2 p.m. on August 16, 2013, the Virtual Complainant (VC) was at a bar in Baugher’s Bay when he saw Turnbull and an unidentified man walking towards him.

Turnbull allegedly lifted his hand in a position which appeared as though he was about to hit the complainant and reportedly said something which the VC was unable to understand.

Shortly afterwards, Turnbull and the other man allegedly started throwing bottles at the VC who reportedly ran off and was hit in the back of the head with a bottle.

Court records revealed that the accused was also seen damaging the right windshield of the VC's vehicle.

Police, who were summoned to the area shortly afterwards, transported the complainant to Peebles Hospital where he was treated for a shallow laceration behind his right ear.

The accused was later picked up and charged by the Police.

The matter will resume on February 17, 2014 when a trial is expected to get underway.