By Zaya Williams

Member of Parliament for St. Peter Asot Michael was scheduled to appear in court this morning after being summoned on a charge of battery against a police officer.

A female police officer is alleging that Michael assaulted her while she was working at a fete called RISE during the summer.

In the early hours of August 5, as reported by the officer, she witnessed the Member of Parliament (MP) appearing to be under the influence of alcohol. Allegedly, the MP approached the officer from behind, grabbing her cheeks without her consent. In response, she pushed him away.

Subsequently, the MP allegedly persisted, this time grabbing onto her uniform. When she resisted once more, some of her buttons came undone, resulting in partial exposure.

Expressing her dissatisfaction with the incident, the constable reported it to the police. However, for several months, no action was taken in response to her complaint.

Michael was recently issued a summons to appear in court today but did not show up.

His lawyer Hugh Marshall wrote a letter to the court indicating that his client is overseas due to a medical appointment and is scheduled to return on December 12.

Marshall also asked for disclosure of the case file and Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel made an order for that to be done in 21 days.

A new court date was set for January 23,2024.