Estranged lovers injured in nasty fight

A 51-year-old man who claims he was only defending himself when he allegedly punched and choked his ex-lover is out on bail.

Valentino Phillips was granted $20,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Ayanna Baptiste DaBreo this month for common assault.

Allegations are that Phillips and the woman were living as roommates at their Meyer’s residence on Tortola.

On April 9 last year, the complainant returned home and raised issue about Phillips allegedly ‘touching her stuff’.

The court heard that they started to argue.

The woman was adjusting a curtain rod on the wall but the rod fell and hit Phillips.

Phillips allegedly responded by punching her in the stomach, grabbing her by the throat, and choking her.

The woman ran outside and called the police.

It is alleged that the accused started to throw the woman’s belongings out of the house before he locked her outside.

The complainant reportedly sustained swelling and abrasions to the forehead.

It is reported that Phillips also had injuries to his body.

When the police met him, the accused reportedly said the woman attacked him with the curtain rod. He also filed a complaint against the woman, the court heard.

After granting Phillips bail, Magistrate DaBreo referred him to the Partner for Peace Programme.

He is scheduled to return to court on March 31.