OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Robert Taylor, 27, of Sheldon Street, Runaway Bay has been charged with three counts of assault and wounding in connection with Sunday’s attack on a group of Canadian visitors and their guide.

He is scheduled to appear in the Ocho Rios Resident Magistrate’s Court today.

The incident, which left three persons wounded and prompted the police to beef up patrols in the area, has been heavily condemned by tourism interests. The attack took place at the Cardiff Hall Beach in Runaway Bay.

Thirty-four year old Harry Gardiner; a 35-year old relative, James Gardiner of Ontario, Canada and a 27-year old nanny employed to Franklyn D Resort (FDR), Vanessa James of Steer Town, St Ann, were treated at the St Ann’s Bay hospital Sunday for injuries received when they were attacked while on the beach.

The police said that about three o’clock Sunday afternoon, James accompanied a group of eight Canadian guests to the adjoining Cardiff Hall beach. While there, it is alleged that Taylor accosted them and demanded payment for the use of the beach. James objected and was reportedly punched by Taylor. When the guests intervened, Taylor allegedly set upon them with a stick, inflicting injuries to both men.

A report was made to the Runaway Bay police who later arrested and charged Taylor.