Don’t diss police – Man pays in scooter incident

A man who assaulted police while trying to stop them from seizing a traffic offender’s motor scooter has been fined $1,200 in the Magistrate’s Court.

Kishawn Fahie of Tortola was fined after he pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on police, and using indecent language.

“I know I was wrong and I just want to apologise,” said Fahie during his appearance before Magistrate Ayanna Baptiste-DaBreo.

In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Baptiste-DaBreo told Fahie that he is one of many persons who have been disrespectful to police.

She however reminded the offender that he must not be quick to disrespect the cops. “It is the same officers you call when you need help,” the magistrate said.

What happened

Reports from the prosecution are that, on January 10 last year, members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force were on mobile patrol in the Long Bush area when they observed a motorist riding a scooter without a helmet.

They stopped the rider.

The court was told that, while the officers tried to seize the scooter, Fahie as well as another man approached them in an ‘aggressive’ manner.

Fahie reportedly pushed one of the officers in an attempt to prevent seizure of the motorcycle.

The prosecution reported that a struggle ensued between Fahie and the police officers.

The law enforcers told Fahie to step away. But, instead of complying, he reportedly used profane language at the cops.

Fahie and his reported accomplice eventually walked away after a subsequent warning, the court heard.

The scooter in question was seized.

It is said that police executed a search warrant at Fahie’s residence a day later, and he was arrested and charged.

Break-down of fines

Meanwhile, in court, Fahie was fined $400 for each of the two counts of assault on police, and another $400 for the indecent language charge.

He has until May 31 to pay the fines or serve 30 days imprisonment as alternative to each of the fines.