By Tanesha Dyer, Gleaner WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
A MAN who is alleged to have wounded and spat on Deputy Superintendent Derrick 'Cowboy' Knight, last week, has opted to represent himself at the trial scheduled for May 14 at the St. James Resident Magistrate's Court.
Michael Richards pleaded not guilty to the charges of unlawful wounding and common assault, when he appeared in the St. James RM Court on Wednesday. RM Valerie Stephens extended his bail and ordered that his fingerprints be taken.
The allegations are that on April 17 at around 3:30 p.m., a team of policemen were carrying out operations headed by DSP Knight in the Railway Lane community. Richards was allegedly seen walking with a container in his hand and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
It is said that on seeing the police party, the accused man began cursing the lawmen, telling them that they should leave the area. He allegedly asked DSP Knight if he was called 'Cowboy' and went on to say that he did not like police.
The accused then took a drink from the container in his hand and spat the liquid on the right side of the officer's face, hand, neck and shirt. It is said that Richards then walked away and took up a piece of board, which he used to hit at the DSP.
DSP Knight used his left hand to block the blow and his left elbow and thumb were injured in the process. The accused man was subsequently arrested and charged.
