But was brought before the magistrate’s court for using a rock to batter a woman and destroying her cellphone on September 13, 2019, at a party.
The defendant, who admitted to the offences of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and Criminal Damage, was placed on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP).
‘You make all Vincy men look bad’
Magistrate Ayanna O. Baptiste-DaBreo told the defendant last Thursday, September 19, 2019, during his first appearance, that his actions make it harder for his fellowmen in the territory.
“Mr Butler, you are one of the examples why there is such a bad reputation for men from St Vincent and the Grenadines. We have very good men, and you are not setting a very good example for our people when they come here to make a better life for themselves. Because people will be of certain perceptions of our people based on attitudes like yours and it is not fair for all of us to be judged and painted by the same brush,” the magistrate said.
‘We good if we are treated good’
In response to the magistrate, Butler said, Vincentian men are good men.
“Them good when they get good treatment,” he remarked.
The defendant, who was unapologetic about the offences before, was also cautioned about not owning a woman even if he spent money on her.
“She is free to do and come as she pleases. You do not have the right to put your hands on anyone, she is a grown woman and not your child,” the magistrate warned.
Background
The 43-year-old mason, who recently moved to the territory to work, reportedly met a woman from his home country through a friend.
Less than three weeks later, after communicating via telephone and social media, he bought her a ticket to visit the territory.
About four nights after her arrival last month, the two had a misunderstanding and parted ways.
On the night when the ‘assault’ took place, Butler met the young lady in question at a party in Old Plantation and, despite his attempts to speak to her, she pushed him away.
He reportedly told her, “I want my money for the ticket that I bought you,” and allegedly threatened to kill her.
It was that time that he reportedly hurled her phone to a nearby wall, where it broke in several pieces.
The altercation between the two moved outside where he flung a rock towards her, hitting her on her head.
The woman, who was reportedly bleeding profusely, was taken to hospital for medical attention and was later discharged after racking up a bill of over $1,494.
Butler, who does not have any legal representative, will be sentenced today Monday, September 23, 2019.
