Taximan granted $30K bail after allegedly fracturing man’s jaw

A 44-year-old taxi operator has been placed on $30,000 signed bail after he allegedly fractured the jaw of a man at a local bar on June 21 this year.

Charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm is Keith Smith of from Duffs Bottom, Tortola. 

He was not made to plead when he appeared before Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin on Tuesday.

What the court heard happened

The court heard that on the day in question, the complainant in the matter went to the bar located in Huntums Ghut.

After ordering a drink, he reportedly spotted Smith — who is also a disk jockey — and went to greet him. It is alleged that Smith then punched the man twice in the face.

The complainant reportedly fell to the ground and was later taken to the hospital for a fractured jaw.

A report was subsequently made to the police who later charged Smith.

I was having a bad day

The court heard that following the incident, Smith reportedly apologized to the complainant’s girlfriend for his actions.

He reportedly said he was having a bad day and wanted to be left alone.

The court heard that Smith further claimed the complainant was intoxicated when he came to greet him at the bar. Smith allegedly said he was upset that the reportedly intoxicated man spewed saliva on to his (Smith’s) face so he reacted with a punch.

Bail

Meanwhile, Smith’s only bail condition is to have no contact with the complainant in the matter.

Attorney-at-law Stephen Daniels represents the accused man who is scheduled to return to court on October 28.