A 38-year-old minibus conductor on Thursday pleaded not guilty to the charge of unlawful assault when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson.

It was alleged that on December 18, Yan Licorish of 96 Grove East Bank Demerara unlawfully assaulted Ray Blackman. Licorish explained to the court that on the day in question an argument had ensued between him and Blackman.

“My worship, we de arguing an he fus knock me, then I knock he back, an duh is how de whole problem start,” Licorish said.

Blackman, who was not in court, was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm to Licorish.

Licorish was placed on $7,000 bail and is to return to court on February 9 when Blackman is expected to be there.