Taximan charged for punching colleague

WESTERN BUREAU:

A St James taxi operator who allegedly punched another man in his face during a quarrel was ordered to compensate the complainant when he returns to the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on June 24.

Cebert Clarke, of a Montego Bay address, is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, committed against Leroy Walloch. Clarke was ordered to pay $8,000 for Walloch's medical expenses, and both men were told to go to mediation sessions before the next mention date later this month.

It is alleged that on May 5, at approximately 11 a.m., Walloch, who is also a taxi operator, was driving his taxi in the vicinity of the Shell gas station on St James Street in Montego Bay.

He attempted to leave the station and merge with the flow of traffic but could not do so as a car was blocking his path.

It is further alleged that Clarke, who was standing nearby, shouted at Walloch, demanding in a disrespectful manner that he reverse his car. Walloch responded in an uncomplimentary manner, following which Clarke approached him and punched him in the face through the open car window.

In court, presiding magistrate Winsome Henry scolded both Clarke and Walloch about their conduct.

"It's a total disgrace, two mature men working in the car park. Both of you old enough to have children and grandchildren. It's a disgrace!" said Henry. "Indecent language being shouted all over the place, no wonder the young people are so bad-mannered."

Clarke argued that he acted in self-defence because Walloch had tried to attack him.

"I had to defend myself. He went to take up a piece of iron to fight me," Clarke told the magistrate.

"Two mature gentlemen carrying on disgracefully, I really feel that this is a matter for mediation," Henry remarked before setting the case for mention on June 24.

- C.T.