Jost Van Dyke Police Station
Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
Jost Van Dyke Police Station
Photo Credit: Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
A woman appeared in court today, October 5, accused of slapping another woman who she felt was with her husband. The incident occurred at a bar on Jost Van Dyke (JVD).
Mida Rabsatt, a Belonger who has been living in the BVI for some 23 years, pleaded not guilty to common assault. She was granted $35,000.00 bail signed with one surety. She was also ordered to surrender her travel documents and report to the police station.
Rabsatt, who lives at Purcell Estate with her 16 year-old daughter, is of Latin descent and had to be assisted by an interpreter in court.
Prosecutor Sarah Benjamin said it is alleged that on March 31 of this year, around 11:00 pm, the complainant was at work behind the bar at Cool Breeze on JVD. She said Rabsatt came into the bar with a gentleman by the name of Lelo and approached the woman who was working and inquired if she knew the man.
According to Benjamin, the woman affirmed, stating that the man was her friend. Rabsatt allegedly said, "you know this is my husband," and the woman said she was not aware.
Benjamin said Rabsatt hit the woman hard across the left side of her face with the palm of her hand.
"She struck her only once. She was about to hit the complainant again but Lelo restrained her. The complainant tried to get from behind the bar, but Rabsatt began searching in her purse and said, 'if you come near me I will cut you'. However, the complainant said she saw no knife at the time," Benjamin related.
Police arrived at bar shortly after and Rabsatt was told about the allegations and she said, "she slapped at me first cause we had the same man."
The woman told the court that she is not working and will represent herself at the trial. She will return to court on December 4.
