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by pltm
(PLTM) - After witnessing his girlfriend on the phone addressing another male as "baby" and "boo", Vernon Campbell Jr. of St. Vincent and the Grenadines became irate and consequently beat his girlfriend.
In an appearance before the court yesterday, October 4, the accused, who is actually visiting his girlfriend for a month in the Territory, pleaded guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.
He has been in the Territory since September 27th 2016.
During mitigation, Campbell, 21, told the court the initial altercation that day was over his 31 year-old girlfriend’s phone, which he had in his possession. He noted that soon after, when police intervened, he overheard his girlfriend on the phone with another male saying, “Baby come pick me up”, and continued by calling the person "boo".
A teary eyed Campbell went on to inform the court that he is in love with the victim in the matter and would like another chance.
“Give me a chance please. I love her so much. I promise myself I would never do it again. I have never been in this position before; this is my first time. I love her.”
The court also heard that the accused allegedly lives on the streets in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and have been on his own without any form of schooling since the age of 12.
“The streets raised me mam,” he noted.
Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards noted that his actions are dysfunctional and something needs to be done.
“You have to be dysfunctional because what you did is dysfunctional. I've never seen the streets raise a child; the streets cannot raise a child. You're not developed, there are some issues with you. All isn't lost, but you need to work on you.”
According to the particulars of the matter, on September 30th 2016, both the accused and the complainant [girlfriend] were taken to the East End Police Station for questioning regarding an altercation at their Paraquita Bay residence.
After resolving the issue, Campbell opted to stay in a hotel that night and was escorted by officers back to the apartment to collect his belongings. The accused left the police vehicle and headed to the apartment, but soon returned after realizing he was without a key to give him access.
The court heard that the accused went to the door of the vehicle where the complainant was sitting, opened it and demanded the key to open the door. She refused and he began beating on her.
Allegedly, Campbell pounced into the vehicle, pushing the accused downwards and struck her several times with his fists.
Officers' attempts to restrain Campbell were unsuccessful and they resorted to tasing him. He was then handcuffed and arrested.
The complainant was said to have suffered injuries to her head, right eye and upper body.
Campbell was remanded to prison until Friday, October 7th when he will make another appearance at the Magistrate's Court for sentencing.
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