By Zaya Williams

Member of Parliament for St. Peter Asot Michael appeared in the All Saints Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and was to enter a plea for a charge of battery against a police officer but the hearing was adjourned.

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 until late last year.

Michael was first summoned to appear in December but did not show up because he was overseas for a medical appointment.

On Tuesday, he appeared but was told that the case would have to be adjourned since the prosecutor over this case was not present.

He was given a new date of March 13.