A vendor was yesterday released on bail after being charged with assaulting a lawman, property damage and use of threatening and abusive language even as her lawyer says the police assaulted her
Vanessa Gonsalves, 38, of Lot 45 Princes Street, was yesterday charged with assaulting a police officer along with three other charges when she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The four charges were read to her by Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.
It is alleged that on March 5th, 2021, at Russell Street, Charlestown, she unlawfully assaulted police constable Vickram Luknauth, a peace officer who was acting in the execution of his duty. It is also alleged that she unlawfully and maliciously damaged a vest, valued $9,500, property of Vickram Luknauth. It was also alleged that on the same date and at the same location, she displayed threatening behaviour towards Alicia Adams. Additionally, it was alleged that that on the same date and at the same location, she made use of abusive language towards Adams.
Gonsalves, who was represented by attorney Darren Wade, denied the four charges. According to Wade, Gonsalves was assaulted by ranks. He also told the court that she was held in police custody since March 5 until her appearance at the court. He further said that the offences are bailable and she should have been granted bail. He then asked for her to be released on her own recognisance. However, the police prosecutor objected to the woman being released on bail and told court that she assaulted a police officer and damaged his property.
After listening to the attorney and the prosecutor, the magistrate granted Gonsalves bail. She was released on $5,000 bail on the threatening behaviour charge and self-bail on the three remaining charges. She will make her next court appearance on April 19th.
