Curtis Smith, 46, pleaded not guilty to assaulting his girlfriend when he appeared before the Magistrate's Court on January 30, 2013.

The defendant, a VIslander, is a self-employed fisherman who owns a business at Brandy Wine Bay, Tortola.

According to the allegations read by Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham, the Virtual Complainant (VC) is the girlfriend of the accused and worked for him at his Brandy Wine Bay business. The two were reportedly involved in a discussion on December 18, 2012 that spilled over into the next day, December 19, 2012 and ultimately became an argument.

The VC was reportedly involved involved in a conversation with another man, which the defendant observed. He later approached the defendant and allegedly accused her of "telling the other man his business".

The defendant then allegedly lifted the VC up and hit her face against a kitchen counter and then allegedly hit her face with his fist.

It was disclosed that the VC suffered injuries to her face and a report was later made to the police. The VC was taken for medical attention where it was discovered that she received injuries to her right forehead and had lacerations to her nose.

The accused was later seen by the Police and informed about the report against him. He was then formally arrested and charged with the offence of assault causing actual bodily harm and was granted Police bail.

Attorney at law, Ruthilia Maximea related that the defendant and VC have lived together for seven (7) years on and off and have continued to see each other even after the alleged incident. She requested bail for the defendant while noting he was not a flight risk and has an ongoing business. The prosecution offered no objection to bail.

The defence attorney further explained that the VC has two (2) children (who are not the defendant’s) and receives financial assistance from the defendant. She said the defendant has one child which "keeps him grounded".

Mr Smith was granted $45,000 signed bail and instructed to attend the Partnership for Peace Programme as part of his bail conditions. He is to return to court on February 15, 2013.