Former Royal Cayman Islands Police Constable Paul Dewing has been charged in connection with a disturbance that occurred inside the court house in July.
Mr. Dewing faces charges of disorderly conduct and threatening violence in the incident. His girlfriend, Melissa Mattison, has been charged with assault.
The incident occurred after a man who was charged with dangerous driving in a March 2007 auto-pedestrian crash was acquitted. Then-PC Dewing was severely injured in that wreck and was forced to undergo intensive physical rehabilitation for several months before returning to duty.
His contract with the RCIPS was not renewed earlier this year.
Following the 11 July not guilty verdict against the driver accused of hitting Mr. Dewing as he walked along Pedro Castle Road, an angry scene was witnessed in Grand Court Justice Priya Levers’ court room.
As the court rose to adjourn, Mr. Dewing remained seated. Justice Levers told him to stand up. He rose, but moments later slammed a metal chain he was carrying into a railing in front of him.
The chain was actually a collar belonging to one of the two dogs Mr. Dewing was walking when he was struck by the car. Both animals were also injured in the crash.
Mr. Dewing and Ms Mattison then left the court room. Ms Mattison was observed pulling the courtroom door shut, almost hitting an auxiliary constable who was pursuing the pair.
The constable grabbed Ms Mattison by the wrist, informing her she was being arrested for assault. The constable then called for further assistance.
Ms Mattison was observed crying as officers took details from her while court staff and police asked Mr. Dewing to leave the building. Mr. Dewing said he would not leave his girlfriend behind.
Justice Levers instructed jurors and members of the defence team not to leave the court room until Mr. Dewing had departed. He soon agreed to leave the building at Ms Mattison’s request.
Police detained Ms Mattison for about 15 minutes before she was allowed to leave. They did not immediately state whether she would face charges.
Mr. Dewing and Ms Mattison were informed charges were being filed against them when they arrived at George Town Police Station Monday night.
The first court date in the case has been set for 11 November.
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