Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter
A man accused of assaulting a police officer just before boarding a flight at the airport was sentenced in Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court last Thursday. Charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, using indecent language, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct is Joel Bailey. He pleaded guilty to the offences.
He was fined $50,000 or six months for assault occasioning bodily harm; $10,000 or 30 days for using indecent language; $10,000 or 30 days for resisting arrest and $10,000 or 30 days for disorderly conduct.
Allegations are that on the day of the incident, Bailey, attempting to board a flight at the Norman Manley International Airport, was questioned by a policeman who requested a search of his luggage. No illicit substances were found.
The court heard that Bailey was so frustrated that the policeman delayed his boarding, he allegedly made a number of disparaging remarks. The policeman made attempts to arrest Bailey and a scuffle resulted in the cop’s finger being injured.
Bailey’s lawyer told the court that the accused was in the midst of boarding the flight when he was accosted by the policeman. He said Bailey’s passport was taken and not returned, and that is when his client lost his temper.
“We all have to learn how to behave at the airport. Tell your client that him can’t go out there go bad-man off nobody,” said Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey. “Some a we, because we a go big New York, we have no respect for nobody out there. You need to calm down at the airport and understand that it’s just a bus that flies in the air!”
The RM ordered Bailey to apologise to the officer. Bailey apologised to another policeman who appeared for the one he assaulted.
“I’m really and truly sorry for my behaviour at the airport, and I hope you forgive me for my behaviour. I’m really sorry,” Bailey declared remorsefully.
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Man assaults police
