WESTERN BUREAU

A man who racked up six charges after he failed to obey the orders of a policeman will face trial before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on April 30.

Alane Bernard, 28, of Roehampton in St James, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assaulting a police constable, disobeying a no parking sign, malicious destruction of property, abusive language and dangerous driving when he appeared before the court on Wednesday.

The court is still awaiting a medical report for the injured officer; however, the matter will proceed without it as the investigating officer had witnessed the incident and saw the injuries as well.

The court heard that on March 30, the investigating officer was on patrol at the Sangster International Airport when he saw a blue Toyota Rav4 parked in a 'no parking' area. He approached the vehicle and spoke to the accused. He told him he was not allowed to park in that area and requested his licence and documents.

Bernard allegedly told the police that he had no licence or documents and drove off. The officer informed his colleagues of what transpired and they went in search of the vehicle.

Further allegations are that the car was spotted in the staff car park and as the driver was driving out he was stopped and informed of the offence. The accused man allegedly asked why the officer did not leave him alone and sped off hitting one of the officers on the knee.

The investigating officer gave chase and held onto the accused. However, the accused held on to the officer's shirt, ripping it.