The manager of Trinidadian soca singer Rodney ‘Benjai’ LeBlanc on Wednesday recounted the events leading to the alleged assault on his client outside of the Palm Court, when the trial of accused of Maverick De Abreu continued before Magistrate Faith McGusty in Georgetown.
LeBlanc, along with his manager, Seon Isaacs, travelled to Guyana to give evidence in the trial. However, only Isaacs gave evidence on Wednesday.
Isaacs, in his evidence, stated that on the day in question, he, along with LeBlanc, were standing at the exit of Palm Court awaiting transportation to return to their hotel. As they waited, they were approached by fans who wanted to take photos with them.
Isaacs told the court that he observed two gentlemen walking towards a vehicle, which they were standing behind. At that point, the men got into the vehicle and started to reverse. While reversing, the vehicle clipped one of the fans who was taking photos and they started tapping on its trunk to indicate to the driver to stop.
He then stated that the driver of the vehicle got out and pointed what appeared to be a firearm in their direction and started to yell obscenities at them.
“At that point, our hands were up,” said Isaacs. He added that a man emerged from the front passenger seat of the vehicle and hurled an object, which appeared to be a bottle or glass, at them. The object connected to the right side of LeBlanc’s face.
Isaacs related that he accompanied LeBlanc to the hospital to receive medical attention.
Under cross-examination, Isaacs told the court that he had made attempts to contact security who were at the venue. He added that he was present at the hospital while LeBlanc was receiving medical attention and he had witnessed the majority of the operation.
Attorney Mark Waldron subsequently suspended his cross-examination as he said that a statement which the witness had given was missing.
The matter was adjourned until March 29th for report, so the prosecution can obtain the missing statement, and arrive at a convenient date for LeBlanc to testify.
