Couple charged with beating woman

An electrician and an accounting clerk pleaded not guilty to charges of robbery following their appearance in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Richard Golding and Mallnia Stewart are charged with robbery with violence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. It is reported that the complainant was walking along the roadway when she saw a black car being driven by Golding and another person in the passenger seat. The complainant said she passed the vehicle but then felt an impact to the back of her head, causing her to fall. She was then allegedly kicked repeatedly in her back and in her face by Golding.

When she tried to get up, Golding hit her in her face and continued to punch her in the head and face. It is alleged that Golding's girlfriend, Stewart, told him to take her cell phone.

The accused are represented by Jody-Kay Anderson, who told the court that her clients received information that the complainant has been taking pictures and videos of them and disseminating the images to persons with whom they are at odds.

"Based off the complainant taking their pictures and videos, they took the phone from the complainant and brought the phone to the Constant Spring Police Station and the police officers returned the cell phone to the complainant, Your Honour. And so, I don't believe that that would amount to robbery, Your Honour," Anderson said. She added that she was neither aware of the nature of the photographs or videos being alleged, nor has she seen them.

But Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague described the incident as bizarre and added bail conditions. Golding and Stewart were made the subject of a daily curfew and were ordered not to have any contact or communication with the complainant. A fingerprint order was also made for the accused. They are to return to court on March 7.