VERDICT AWAITED IN BUSH ASSAULT CASE

A ruling by Magistrate Kirsty-Ann Gunn is awaited following the presentation of evidence, arguments and counter-arguments in a case in which Hon. Speaker (now of Parliament, previously Legislative Assembly at the time of the incident) McKeeva Bush is appearing on charges arising from an incident at a beach bar on February 21st this year.

Mr Bush is charged with three counts of common assault and one of disorderly conduct. He has entered guilty pleas to two of the three assault charges which stemmed from an altercation with the female manager of a bar on West Bay Rd.

The Magistrate has indicated that her verdict could come possibly in two week’s time.

Much of the evidence submitted revolved around video footage extracted from CCTV security cameras on the premises of which much what transpired is obscured from view due to camera angles or objects in the way.

There are scenes of a struggle between Mr Bush and the plaintiff, Livia Kwong, whom Mr Bush is alleged to have assaulted.

The court was presented with video recordings captured from CCTV cameras as well as witness statements and testimonials.

Mr Bush is being represented by attorney Michael Alberga and the case for the Crown is being prosecuted by Director of Public Prosecutions Patrick Moran.

While he entered guilty pleas on two counts of common assault and one count of disorderly conduct, Mr Bush pleaded not guilty to the third count of assault, because, Mr. Alberga explained, there was no video evidence supporting this claim, as the view of the CCTV camera is obscured by a stand of umbrellas.

Council for the Crown Prosecution, Patrick Moran, was not satisfied with the situation created by guilty pleas being offered to only three of the four charges, because, he said, it was this fourth one, which involved alleged hair pulling and blows to the plaintiff’s head, that was the “trigger event,” which set off all the others.

The court heard that since Mr Bush was highly intoxicated, a fact which is not in dispute, he cannot recall the exact events, especially on the most serious assault charge.

The case has attracted considerable interest in the community and the verdict is awaited.