Young woman put on bond for slapping ex-boyfriend after leaving Family Court

A 21-year-old woman now has a criminal record after following her former boyfriend through the streets, slapping him in the face and challenging him to shoot her.

The defendant, Nikasha Baptiste of Indian Bay appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 20, where she admitted that she assaulted Aaron Williams of Cane Garden causing him actual bodily harm.

Baptiste and Williams were a couple for two years, and out of their relationship they had a son, who is two years old. Their relationship ended one year ago, and both of them were at the Family Court on the date of the incident: July 13.

According to the facts, read by Corporal 664 David Wright, both parties were attending a sit-down meeting in relation to their co-parenting agreement. While there, Baptiste threatened Williams, saying she would slap him if they left at the same time. When he was about to leave Baptiste rushed up to him asking him “you want to take my child away from me?”, while arguing.

Williams left the building, and his former girlfriend followed. The two continued to argue. As Williams walked up Tyrell Street, and neared the Black Cat bar, Baptiste approached him and slapped him on the left side of his face while saying “shoot me.”

“This she said because she was aware that the virtual complainant is a licensed firearm holder,” the facts say.

The matter was reported by Williams.

However, while at court, nearly to the end of the matter, Williams, in answering that he didn’t want compensation, also said that he didn’t want to press charges.

Nevertheless, the prosecution, led by Corlene Samuel noted that although she understood what he is saying, the defendant already entered a guilty plea. Him making that statement at that stage makes no difference, she said, but submitted that the sentencing may reflect his wishes.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett had already engaged the defendant at that stage.

“…Until the court pronounces on that application both of you have to conduct yourselves in an appropriate manner and specifically you,” Burnett told Baptiste.

“…Because you’re the one that has been charged and you are the one now that will have a criminal conviction.”

One should look at the long term effects and consequences of their actions, the adjudicator noted. When she applies for a job and is asked for a police record, it is now going to show that she has a criminal conviction whereas she had none before.

“When this two-year-old child gets bigger…he is going to know that mommy has a criminal conviction for assaulting daddy,” the magistrate commented.

Further, it may be reported on by journalists, and these reports travel far.

Burnett mused that these were things that “persons have to address their mind to, when they are contemplating actions.”

“What you did was clearly wrong,” he told Baptiste. “You threatened him at the Family Court and followed him on the streets of Kingstown and assaulted him. And then attempted to provoke him,” because she is aware that he has a firearm.

“I don’t like that. I don’t like that at all,” the magistrate stated.

“No matter how upset you are with him, allow the legal process to take the course. That’s what we have to do in an organized society like St Vincent and the Grenadines. People can’t do their own thing,” he also noted.

In the end, Baptiste was bonded for one year in the sum of $1000. If she fails to keep the peace during this year, this sum will be demanded to be paid forthwith, or a default prison sentence of three months will take effect.