In February UDP Minister of State Mark King was at the center of an event just short of a political scandal: he'd lost his temper at the Princess Casino in Corozal and thrown an ugly tantrum resulting in him being ejected from the Casino – and then later having a confrontation with police. It resulted in charges of aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and threatening words.
Well today was trial day in Corozal Magistrate's Court and he was acquitted – tonight he is free and clear of any charges.
Here's what happened in court: First off, the police officer whom he had allegedly committed an aggravated assault on? That's constable Nelson Ramos, and he withdrew his testimony – meaning he didn't want to press charges.
And then the three other witnesses including a PC Swazo could not identify Mark King from the witness stand. That's the basic standard of identification that has to be met and without it, Magistrate Clive Lino declared that there was insufficient evidence to continue with the case and acquitted King of all charges.
King told us he was busy today and will comment tomorrow.
It's a quite surprising though not altogether unexpected turn of events – and King who was suspended for three months by the Prime Minister in February, is expected to already be back on full salary and title as Minister of State.
And while there were at least two cell phone videos and security video of King acting out – none of those were adduced as evidence at a trial though. But, we stress, those are rarely – if ever - introduced at the Magistrate's court level – particularly when the case is being prosecuted by police prosecutors.
Email
Print