Jerome Hopkins today April 17, 2015 appeared before Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards on a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm where he pleaded not guilty and was put on $45,000 signed bail. Photo: VINO

He is to return to court on May 29, 2015 for the commencement of trial.

The court heard that on October 7, 2014 at Pasea, Hopkins allegedly unlawfully assaulted Kyle Baronville to cause him actual bodily harm.

According to the details of the allegations, Baronville was in the defendant’s car wash business speaking to someone when the defendant approached allegedly indicating that Baronville was not welcome in that area.

The court heard that subsequently the VC left and while walking along Blackburn Highway the VC observed the defendant’s truck. The court heard that the truck stopped and the defendant exited the vehicle and allegedly hit the VC with a stick on his hip.

The VC tried to defend himself without success and was also allegedly hit on the right hand. The altercation ended with the assistance of the Police and a report was made.

On October 24, 2014 the defendant was met and informed of the complaint against him. The court heard that during this time allegedly Hopkins denied the allegation and stated that the VC allegedly attacked him.

The defendant was then arrested and an audio visual interview conducted where the defendant again denied the allegations. He was thereafter charged.

According to the defendant, aged 38, he was born in St Thomas, USVI but resides now in the Virgin Islands. He is said to own a car wash and trucking business.

Addressing the Magistrate, Hopkins alleged the VC is the one who taunts and provokes him on a daily basis and promised that he would make a video of the VC’s alleged taunting and provoking and provide this to the court. He was advised by the Magistrate to stay away from the VC and to report any issues to the Police.