Drivers clash

Fed up with a fellow ZR driver trying to prevent him from overtaking, Jerad Brathwaite took matters into his own hand.

However, his actions landed him in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he admitted to slapping the complainant out of frustration.

Brathwaite, of Brereton Village, St Philip, pleaded guilty to assaulting Chad Bishop on September 13, 2022, when the charge was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes.

In outlining the facts, prosecutor Sergeant Randolph Boyce said both men ply their trade on the Silver Sands route. On the day in question, the complainant was driving ahead of Brathwaite slowly and preventing him from passing.

This continued for some time until both drivers stopped to pick up passengers. At this time, Brathwaite became annoyed and walked up to the complainant who was seen reaching for a wheel tool.

Brathwaite then slapped the man several times across his head.

When asked to explain his actions, he admitted to committing the offence.

“We were working on two different routes and he wouldn’t let me pass. He pull a wheel tool on me and I slap him. He went to the police and they charge me for assault,” Brathwaite said.

The Chief Magistrate then placed him on a bond to keep the peace for the next three months.

If he breaches that bond, he will have to pay $500 forthwith or he will spend 14 days in prison.