Say complainant was disrespectful

Two teenagers at the centre of a beating carried out on another teen, who is pregnant, were yesterday remanded in custody until sentencing, scheduled for this Friday in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's court.

Charged with assault occasioning bodily harm is a 16-year-old student and her 19-year-old relative.

The younger accused pleaded guilty with explanation to the offence, while the other said she was not guilty.

The court was told that the 16-year-old complainant went to a shop to buy sugar when she was allegedly ganged by the two accused teens.

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey asked, "why was there a fight?"

The 16-year-old said, "I asked her a question ... she said something about me so I asked her about it .... she (19-year-old) never did a fight ..."

The 19-year-old said, "Your honour, a she first lick me wid a stone ... a part mi did a part di fight and she turn and attack me."

RM Pusey asked the complainant, "They attacked you while you were pregnant?"

The complainant told the court, yes, then suddenly, outbursts like "We never know seh she pregnant" and "it never did a show," were heard coming from the prisoners' dock where the two accused stood.

RM Pusey first sought the intervention of the probation officer. However, due to the manner at which both accused persons were handling, themselves in court, the 19-year-old was remanded in custody, while the 16-year-old was remanded in state care.

They are to return on March 6 for sentencing.