Couples on assault charges opt to solve differences out of court

Two couples yesterday each opted to seek the help of a probation officer to resolve their differences instead of pursuing assault charges.

Belinda John was alleged to have assaulted her common-law husband Godfrey Lowe, who reciprocated in kind at their Lot 22 Calendar Street, Albouystown home on April 20.

According to the police report, the two had a misunderstanding, which resulted in John hitting the hand and back of Lowe and threatening to kill him with a knife. The report further stated that Lowe cut the neck of John with an axe.

The matter was reported to the East La Penitence Police Station and the two were sent on their own recognisance until their initial court date. John was charged with assault and threatening behaviour whilst Lowe was charged with assault.

When the couple appeared before Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond yesterday, they both indicated that they did not wish to proceed with the charges against each other and agreed to report to a probation officer appointed by the court.

Latoya Tappin and Kevin Dookie were also embroiled in a violent domestic dispute that resulted in a physical altercation on April 20, at their Lot 51 Norton Street, Lodge home.

Tappin, according to the police report, had initiated an argument with Dookie, whom she accused of having an affair. She later pulled out a knife and chopped him. The report further stated that she took a pair of scissors and pierced him on his buttocks. Dookie was reported to have dealt Tappin several cuffs to her face and body, after which she went outside and chopped up his boots.

The matter was reported to the East La Penitence Police Station and Tappin was charged with assault and damage to property, while Dookie was charged with assault. The two appeared before Magistrate Chandan Edmond yesterday and refused to give evidence against each other, which saw them being referred to a probation officer.