Worker claims he was beaten on site

A construction site labourer shared ghastly details on Monday of how a group of men ganged him at a worksite, allegedly under orders of the property owner, after he was accused of stealing equipment.

The complainant told the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Monday that he attended the worksite to query about his week's pay when he was accosted by the owner, Mark Narcisse, who asked him what he stole from the site. He said that moments later, Narcisse punched him under his chin and kicked away his feet then called about three men to push him to the ground, causing him to fall on his torso. The complainant said he was able to regain his footing, and Narcisse grabbed him by his shirt, before putting him in a chokehold. He said Narcisse pushed a pocket knife up his nostrils and ordered two men, one of whom was later identified as Dwayne Forbes, to tie his hands behind him on to a piece of steel.

"Mr Narcisse then used a piece of two by four board to beat me. I get hit on my hands, in my ribs, all over my body. When that board break, he used another board to beat me," the complainant said. The court heard further that Narcisse ordered the complainant's feet be tied with a piece of rope and attached to the spikes of a car rim.

"When him finish beat me, he went into the car and ordered a food. I had to say to one of the workers that see him ago drive off with my foot still tie to the vehicle," the complainant said. Narcisse and Forbes are charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and unlawful wounding. The complainant said he was freed after begging his co-workers.

"Your Honour, Mr Narcisse and Mr Forbes are both maintaining lack of involvement in the incident," attorney-at-law Richard Lynch submitted on behalf of Narcisse, who is represented by Peter Champagnie, K.C. Lynch said that his instructions in relation to Mr Narcisse concern allegations that the complainant stabbed Narcisse with a knife. Lynch surmised that Narcisse in fact approached the complainant about stolen air conditioning units.

The matter was adjourned until November 24 for file completion as the medical certificate is still outstanding. Investigators indicated that the complainant is to be charged as well by the next mention date.

- T.T.