Cop bitten while settling dispute; accused denies charge
MONTEGO BAY, St James — A man who allegedly bit a police constable during an intervention at his home has denied the charge of unlawful wounding.
Desmond Edwards appeared before parish judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, where he entered a plea of not guilty.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on May 10 when two police constables went to Edwards’ residence in response to the report of a domestic dispute involving him and his girlfriend.
The cops were attempting to settle the dispute when the situation escalated.
During the exchange, Edwards was reportedly warned by the officers about the offence of disorderly conduct. However, the argument between Edwards and his girlfriend continued in the presence of the police. Edwards then allegedly began cursing at one of the constables on the scene.
As the cops attempted to place Edwards under arrest, he allegedly bit one of them, causing a wound. He was subdued, taken into custody, and later charged with unlawful wounding.
During Wednesday’s court hearing, the clerk informed the judge that two items remained outstanding from the case file: the statement from the investigating officer, and the medical certificate documenting the injury sustained by the constable.
Judge Fairclough-Hylton subsequently scheduled the matter for case management on July 2.
Edwards’ bail was extended until that date.
