Man fined, ordered to pay compensation after assaulting and cursing prosecutor

A Gorse man, who boxed a prosecutor on his head and face, then later resisted arrest, was fined and ordered to compensate the officer.

Andrew Pompey appeared at the Serious Offences Court before Senior Magistrate, Colin John on August 13, 2024, where he pleaded guilty that on August 11, 2024 at Kingstown he did assault Renrick Cato of Georgetown causing actual bodily harm; and resisted the arrest of Renrick Cato Inspector of Police, he being a police officer acting in the due execution of his duty.

However, Pompey denied that on the same date and place, in circumstances likely to cause a breach of the peace he made use of indecent language, “yuh war f-ing lock me up now.” The facts in the matter are that Cato is working as a prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and he knows Pompey very well.

At about 5.30 p.m on the date in question, Cato was on duty on a boat ride function from Bequia to St Vincent providing security along with other police officers. He was dressed

sin a black shirt on which ‘SVG Police’ was printed. While on the boat, Cato was settling an argument when Pompey approached him cursing obscene language.

Cato pointed out the offence of indecent language to Pompey and notified him that he can be arrested for this offence. Pompey then walked away. When the boat docked at the Kingstown wharf, Pompey approached Cato saying “yuh war f-ing lock me up now.” Cato pointed out the offence of indecent language to Pompey and informed him that he will be arrested for that offence.

Pompey held on to Cato’s hand forcefully, began boxing Cato on his head and face and then held on to him in a crouching position. Cato pulled out his service pistol from his waist and shot it towards the sea. Cato, who was then assisted by other police officers, reported the matter to the police at the Criminal Investigation Department(CID).

Police Constable (PC) 927 Patrick entertained his report and carried out investigations into the matter. Two days later, Pompey was met at the CID and was informed of the reports made against him. PC 927 Patrick cautioned and interviewed Pompey in the presence of PC 427 Henry.

Pompey volunteered a statement in writing and admitted to the offences of assault bodily harm, and resisting arrest, but denied the allegation of use of indecent language. PC 927 Patrick then arrested and charged Pompey for the foregoing offences. Pompey told senior magistrate John that he agrees with the facts. He was then fined a sum of $250 for resisting arrest, and $250 for assault.

Pompey also was ordered to compensate Cato in the sum of $500. He was ordered to pay the money forthwith or he would serve three months imprisonment on each offence. Pompey was granted bail in the sum of $1000 with one surety on the charge of alleged use of indecent language. The case was transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court to be heard on September 9, 2024.