(Trinidad Express) – Entertainer Ravi Bissambhar will have no criminal conviction recorded against his name, after he was reprimanded and discharged on Friday for causing a crowd to throw missiles at the 2011 Chutney Monarch finals.
The ruling was made by San Fernando Magistrate Rae Roopchand.
When he first appeared in court, Bissambhar was charged that on February 20, at Skinner Park, San Fernando, he did encourage or counsel members of a crowd in attendance at the Chutney Soca Monarch competition at Skinner Park to throw bottles and other objects, to the annoyance of persons. But his attorney senior counsel Sophia Chote objected to the wording of the charge and made legal submissions on the issue.
After changes were made, Bissambhar entered a guilty plea.
On Friday the facts in the case were read by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Honore-Paul. She said it was around 2.30 am on February 20 at Skinner Park, San Fernando that the results were announced for the Chutney Soca Monarch Finals and Bissambhar was placed second.
An hour and a half later while the band Karma for which Bissambhar is one of the lead singers, was on the stage performing for about 4,000 people, he told them if they did not appreciate the results, they should throw something on the stage.
Patrons began throwing items.
Honore-Paul said no one was injured and there was no damage to property.
She said Bissambhar, who had no previous or pending matters before the court, ought to display role model characteristics.
She warned that he faced a $1,500 fine for the offence.
Chote said her client was remorseful and the incident occurred after his sister had been insulted backstage.
She said he was a cultural ambassador who had won many awards and had contributed to many charitable organisations. The defence attorney also offered testimonials on his behalf.
Chote said that should a conviction be recorded against the singer, his work will be affected.
Magistrate Roopchand said Bissambhar was a first time offender without a criminal background who had pleaded guilty to the charge.
He said Bissambhar will not be given any special treatment before the court and was entitled to a chance like everyone else.
Magistrate Roopchand added that at events like these alcohol was the ingredient that could lead to the show becoming violent.
