Bus driver on assault charge after row with cop

A bus driver was yesterday accused of assaulting a policeman who tried to get him to unload his passengers.

Fitzroy Alder, 35, of 36 East Ruimveldt pleaded not guilty to all three charges stemming from his altercation with Officer Julius Caesar at the Stabroek Market when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

According to Prosecutor Deniro Jones, on November 12th, at the Stabroek Market, Alder obstructed Caesar in the execution of police duties. Alder also allegedly assaulted Caesar and resisted him during further execution of his duties.

The court heard that Caesar saw a bus loading outside of the park and asked the driver of the minibus to unload his passengers. According to Prosecutor Jones, Alder became enraged and began to “buse out” the officer, and allegedly pushed him and resisted arrest. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

In his defence, Alder stated that he had simply asked the officer why he was being harassed.

According to Alder, the officer had asked him to unload his bus and when he had inquired why, he was taken to the police outpost. Alder stated that he was pushed up the steps of the outpost and he fell. He added that he was kicked by Caesar and four other officers.

Magistrate Ann McLennan, after hearing the man’s version of events, voiced doubt over the credibility of his claims of docility and appealed to him for honesty.

Alder was eventually placed on $35,000 bail—$20,000 on the assault charge and $15,000 on the other two charges.