A veteran politician in Antigua and Barbuda will be standing trial before a local court in the coming weeks, having pleaded not guilty to a charge of battery against a female police officer.
The charges stem from an incident during the country’s 2023 summer carnival celebrations.
It reportedly occurred on August 5 at a J’ouvert-like fete called ‘RISE’, which began at midnight and extending into the morning.
During the event, a constable, on duty in uniform, encountered the Member of Parliament (MP) for St Peter, Asot Michael, who was actively participating in the festivities.
According to the officer, Michael, displaying signs of intoxication, approached her from behind and initiated physical contact without her consent.
In response to the unwanted advances, the constable promptly pushed the MP away.
The situation took a more concerning turn when the MP allegedly persisted, grabbing onto the officer’s uniform during the encounter.
As a result, some of her buttons came undone, leading to partial exposure. Demonstrating her discomfort, the constable once again pushed the MP away.
The MP, represented by local Attorney Hugh Marshall, denied the allegation.
He is now scheduled to be tried before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on July 17.
