Man ordered to have no contact with girlfriend pending outcome of assault case

A man who has been accused of beating his girlfriend about her body will have to vacate her premises after the court ordered him to have no contact with the woman pending the outcome of the matter.

Sheldon Hooper of Petit Bordel appeared at the Serious Offences Court on April 3, on two charges related to assault and bodily harm.

Hooper pleaded not guilty that on April 1, at Kingstown, he assaulted Simone Clarke of Diamond with the intent to commit an offence, to wit “bodily harm.”

He also pleaded not guilty to causing Clarke actual bodily harm.

The defendant is accused of squeezing his girlfriend around her neck and beating her about her body.

The complainant, who was present, told the court that she did not intend to proceed with the matter but would like a restraining order against the defendant.

Chief Magistrate, Rechanne Browne interjecting, told the complainant that if she wants a retraining order, going forward with the matter will set the background for it. She also noted that a retraining order is dealt with at the Family Court and if the complainant chooses not to proceed with the matter she may continue to encounter problems with her boyfriend that may land them back before the court.

“This is what will help you with your restraining order so you have to know what you want to do. I cannot make a restraining order like that,” the Chief Magistrate told the complainant.

Browne granted Hooper bail in the sum of $4000.00 with one surety. He is to have no contact with the virtual complainant and was ordered to report to the Calliaqua Police Station every Friday between 6:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m.

The prosecution has indicated that five witnesses will be called to testify in the matter. Hooper will next return in court on April 19 for trial.