The Crown revealed that Sonnel Hanley, 31, allegedly slammed his victim against a water machine during an incident that occurred earlier in the year according to details read at the Magistrate’s Court on June 14, 2013. Photo: VINO/File

The area where the incident allegedly occurred. Photo: VINO/File

Hanley had previously pleaded not guilty to common assault earlier in the week but Senior Crown Counsel Sarah Benjamin was not in possession of the file when the matter came before the court.

The Crown related that the Virtual Complainant (VC) in the matter was employed as a hairdresser and did not speak English. During the incident which allegedly occurred on March 25, 2013 between 9:45-10AM, the VC was reportedly making her way from Bolo’s and was heading to Vanterpool Pharmacy through an adjoining walkway shared with Bobby’s Supermarket.

Hanley was reportedly standing at a water machine nearby as the VC passed and he said something to her at the time but she did not understand and did not answer.

The defendant then allegedly grabbed her shoulders with both hands and forcefully slammed her against the water machine and she became fearful as a result. She reportedly tried to push him away but he refused to let her go and allegedly hit her with his fist several times. It was stated that the VC struggled to get away but was stunned by the blows.

According to the allegations, the VC suffered some swelling and scratches to the right side of her face and neck of the alleged assault. The matter was reported to the police and the woman was taken to the Peebles Hospital for treatment.

A witness statement was recorded by Police and later the defendant was arrested and taken into custody at the Road Town Police Station before being charged.

Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards stated that there would be no discussions about bail since no one had come forward on behalf of the defendant. She said he would be remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison as a result until the situation changed.

Magistrate Richards also noted that if the defendant were to be bailed there would be very strict conditions to be adhered to. She also noted that the defendant had been walking around freely for quite some time since the alleged incident had occurred.

Hanley will return to Court on September 3, 2013 when a trial is expected to begin.