Compassion sets Smith free

The complainant in a criminal matter against a St George man has shown him “compassion” resulting in the case being dismissed.

When accused Andre Netario Smith, from Constant Land, appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick the complainant Julian Cox informed the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court that he was no longer proceeding with the matter.

Smith had been charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Cox on December 22, 2018. He was 30 years old at the time. He had maintained his innocence of the charge from his first appearance and had been on $5 000 bail from the St Joseph-based court ever since.

But addressing Magistrate Frederick, Cox explained that he and the accused had spoken and had made the decision not to continue with the matter. He stated that he had not been coerced or threatened to make the decision.

“Me and the young fella, we had a talk, so I decide to give a “bit of leniency” and a “bit of compassion”, Cox said.