Bail denied for accused nurse beater
Sixty-five year-old businessman Robert Bell, the man allegedly seen in a viral video assaulting a nurse while clutching his firearm, has been denied bail.
Bail was denied Wednesday morning by Supreme Court Judge, Lorna Shelly Williams.
Bell’s attorney-at-law, Christopher Townsend explained that Williams made the decision mainly due to safety concerns.
“A bail application was made. [The judge] refused the bail on the grounds that since the video has gone viral, for his safety, it is best that he remains where he is. She did however indicate that as soon as we have received all the documents, that we are at liberty to make another bail application which we will do. We will also address the question of his safety on that occasion,” Townsend said.
The accused businessman is scheduled to return to court on July 9.
Bell was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm; assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; assault at common law; possessing a firearm with intent to commit a first schedule offence; and possession of a firearm with intent to cause injuries.
Reports from the police are that on Tuesday, May 13, around 7:15 pm, the nurse was on her way to work when her vehicle was impeded by a vehicle that was being driven by Bell. A dispute ensued between the two individuals, during which the woman was physically assaulted.
A video of the incident that went viral on social media shows a man physically assaulting the nurse and even stomping on her head.
The incident triggered widespread condemnation across Jamaica.