A taxi driver who threatened to shoot another was reprimanded and discharged yesterday, but not without a stern warning from Acting Magistrate Bernadeth John.
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Kemar Akiel Butcher, 33, of Lower Brighton, St George, was in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court No. 1 where he pleaded guilty to using threatening words toward Patrick Kirton: “I gine shoot you through you car.”
Prosecutor Sergeant Randolph Boyce said both men operate taxis and on June 19, Kirton was in Fairchild Street, The City, when Butcher asked him if he wanted to buy potatoes. Kirton said no, and it seemingly angered Butcher. They started arguing and Butcher eventually went to his car, got a sword, approached the complainant and drew a line on the ground, daring Kirton to cross it. Kirton did so, twice, which led to Butcher’s threatening words.
Arrested him
The complainant reported the incident to police, who later saw Butcher
on Fairchild Street and arrested him.
Acting Magistrate John sought to determine from Butcher what type of sword it was and whether it resembled those used in the television series Game Of Thrones. He said it was a short one which “could cut coconuts”.
She then warned him to stay away from the complainant and to avoid letting anyone get under his skin so easily, because his response in that situation could have led to imprisonment. She told him that he needed to stay out of trouble so he could provide for his two children, and urged him to set a better example for them.
She added that in determining sentence, she considered that Butcher had no previous convictions. (SD)