SASCHA WILSON
A 42-year-old 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, of Rousillac, 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 hearing before San Fernando Magistrate Anslem Leander, Forde/Griffith said she could legally vend three times per week on High Street.
She was charged with resisting arrest, assaulting the two police officers, pitching a stall and obstructing the footpath.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday 18 January 2021, near the Miguel Moses clothing store.
It is alleged that Forde 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 Forde/Griffith refused to give her fingerprints.
The matter was stood down for her fingerprints to be taken and for tracing to determine if she had a criminal record. It was revealed that Hazel Griffith is her name, while Natasha Forde is an alias. The trace also revealed that she had a criminal record, but Seedan did not object to bail.
The magistrate also granted her $60,000 approval bail. The matter was adjourned to February 16th.