$2,000 Fine: Offensive Words/Obstructing Police

After pleading not guilty at an earlier appearance, St George’s resident Keijon Steede, who said that he was a painter, appeared in Magistrates Court this morning [Sept.15] for trial, changed his plea to guilty, and was hit with a $2,000 fine.

Mr Steede was charged with two counts. Count one was using offensive words and Count two was obstructing Police.

The incidents arose out a situation on 14th August when Police were called to a disturbance at the Captain’s Lounge on Reid Street. At the time, and according to the evidence offered by the DPP’s Prosecutor, the disturbance was said to be caused by persons from the ‘Parkside’ gang.

The DPP’s evidence was that once the Police arrived, Mr Steede had leaned against a door that lead to an outside area and prevented Police from going through. In the course of this interaction with Mr Steede, Police said that, amongst other things, he had told them to “F— off.”

Mr Steede, unrepresented, contended that he had a messed up ankle, found it difficult to stand, and was leaning against the door while trying to put on his shoes. Mr Steede also claimed that Police Officers or a Police Officer had kicked him.

Having heard both sides, Magistrate Archie Warner fined Mr Steede $1,000 on each count with the stipulations that the total fine must be paid today and that in default, thirty days jail would have to be served for each unpaid fine and that the default time was to run consecutively.

Saying that he was working but would not get paid until the end of the month, Mr Steede requested time to pay. The Magistrate refused his request.

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Category: All, Court Reports, Crime