Taximan drives vehicle over cop’s toe

A taxi driver who absconded criminal proceedings in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court for the past two years made his appearance on Monday.

Marcus Nicholson was charged on an indictment for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The particulars of the offence, as outlined by prosecutors, state that sometime in July 2021, Nicholson was cautioned by the complainant, a police officer attached to the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, as he was to be ticketed for several road traffic infractions.

Nicholson was instructed to turn off the motor vehicle and exit it. However, it was reported that Nicholson drove his vehicle over the toe of a cop, which caused bruising, swelling and tenderness. According to the complainant, the effect of the injuries is expected to be long-term. The cop is seeking to be compensated $150,000.

But Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque said that the initial sum would not be sufficient, based on the injuries he sustained.

"Your figure is very modest. The injury is very bad and I think it would be reasonable that you receive $200,000 ," Cole-Montaque reasoned. Nicholson begged the judge for leniency.

"Your Honour, I can't afford that right now because I have some tickets to pay on the traffic court," the taxi operator said, indicating that he would be attending the Corporate Area Traffic Court later this month.

A woman who attended court with him, presented a payment of $60,000 in court. However, only $57,400 was collected by the court police as there were too many $100 and $50 bills.

"Next time don't bring those distressed notes in here. Let's bring some harder, solid money," Cole-Montaque chided.

Nicholson is to return to court on December 4 with at least $40,000 for compensation.