Sascha Wilson
A street vendor who allegedly assaulted two police officers while they were trying to arrest her has been granted a cash bail of $10,000.
Natasha Forde also called Hazel Griffith, 42, pleaded not guilty to four charges arising out of the incident on High Street, San Fernando which stemmed from her vending on the pavement. During her virtual appearance before San Fernando Magistrate Anslem Leander, Forde said vending is allowed three times per week on High Street.
The incident allegedly occurred on Monday near Miguel Moses clothing store. It is alleged that she pitched a stall and obstructed the footpath. When the Municipal Officers attempted to arrest her, it is alleged that she pulled away violently and assaulted Snr Supt Cecil Santana in charge of the Municipal Police (south) and Cpl Brian Lewis. She was charged by WPC Cooper.
Prosecutor Cleyon Seedan told the magistrate that she refused to give fingerprints. The matter was stood down for fingerprints to be taken and for a trace to determine if she had a criminal record. It revealed that her name is Hazel Griffith and her alias is Natasha Forde.
The trace also revealed she was charged previously for similar offences, but Seedan did not object to bail. The magistrate also granted her $60,000 approval bail.
The matter was adjourned to February 16.