A public service vehicle (PSV) driver was chided for his brazen flouting of the law, and advised to read his Bible by Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant on Monday.
Corey Jamal Best, 33, of Thornbury Hill, Christ Church, admitted unlawfully assaulting Olrick Jordan last Saturday. However, he denied damaging a pair of spectacles belonging to Jordan on the same date.
Prosecutor Sergeant Cameron Gibbons told the District “A” Magistrates’ Court that Best was owner and driver of a route taxi, while Jordan was the driver of another route taxi.
They were both travelling along Maxwell Coast Road, Christ Church, heading to Bridgetown, with Jordan in front, when he stopped at a bus stop to offload passengers.
Best overtook, stopped, got out and approached Jordan. He struck him twice in the face, damaging his spectacles.
Best, in his defence, said Jordan had dead stopped in front of another vehicle. He overtook both vehicles, and while attempting to overtake another in front of Jordan, Jordan pulled on him, and pushed him onto the cut rock as they were approaching a dangerous bend on the stretch.
Stopped the vehicle
He added that Jordan eventually stopped the vehicle and allowed him to get back in the lane. Best said he got out of the vehicle and told Jordan he did not respect how he was driving.
The magistrate, however, chided Best, and told him that all PSV drivers did nonsense on the road.
“It has happened to me. The only reason why you were able to manoeuvre is because you are accustomed to doing it. You didn’t think to stop the vehicle, even after putting the lives of your passengers in immediate danger,” she said.
When she pressed Best as to what right he had to assault Jordan, Best said he had none.
“He who is without sin, cast the first stone,” she told him.
When the magistrate asked Best if he knew the Bible story, he said he did not.
“You need to read your Bible,” she said.
A pre-sentencing report was ordered on Best. He was granted $1 500 bail, and ordered to stay away from Jordan.
He returns to court on July 13. (RA)
