Taxi driver in trouble for ripping off cop’s shirt and beating him
A taxi driver who attacked a policeman in downtown Kingston, tore his shirt off and tried to knock him down with his car after he was instructed to move the vehicle, was remanded for sentencing when he appeared in court on Friday.
Paris Blair of Franklyn Town in Kingston pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding, assault at common law, and malicious destruction of property.
The court heard that on the day in question, Blair parked his car in a “No Parking” zone area in downtown Kingston and was told by the policeman, who had been patrolling to move the vehicle.
Blair, the court further heard, instead of obeying the policeman told him several “bad words”, the court heard. The policeman in response told Blair that he was going to arrest and charge him for using indecent language.
The cop was then attacked by Blair who tore his shirt off during a tussle which resulted in the policeman falling to the ground, the court heard.
While the policeman was on the ground Blair continued to fight him, the court futher heard. However, the policeman managed to escape Blair’s grasp.
Blair then went into his car and drove it towards the cop, who had to take evasive action to avoid being hit, the court also heard.
He was later arrested and charged.
However, on Friday when Blair appearad in court he disputed the allegations, despite pleading guilty.
“I am driving a red plate car for a living, the officer ask me to move the car but me never move it in time and by the time me walking towards me car him hold me inna mi shirt from behind and it cause a ruption. And me start say things whey mi nea need fi say and Ma’am, I am sorry,” he told Parish Judge Jacqueline Willcott.
Additionally, he said: “I never drove the car at him ’cause me realise more officers coming, an me drive weh and go round by the police station,” he said.
Blair was subsequently offered bail in the sum of $60,000 for him to return to court on October 8 for sentencing.
A condition of his bail is that he reports Saturdays and Wednesdays at the Franklyn Town Police Station.
