By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A FREEPORT woman who was charged with assault is claiming “inhumane” treatment after police allegedly put her in a male cell with a coughing man and ignored her requests to be transferred.
Cindy Pintard, of South Bahamia, appeared before Magistrate Simone Brown. She pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault.
It is alleged that on August 30, at Freeport, Pintard assaulted Ivan Charles. She elected a summary trial.
The police prosecutor did not object to bail and requested the accused not have direct or indirect contact with the virtual complainant. He asked for the matter to be adjourned to October 18.
Pintard was not represented by counsel. She told the magistrate that her attorney is Wayne Munroe, but said that he was not able to attend court.
She told the court that while in custody at Central Police Station, she was arrested and put in the male cell with a man, who was sick and was coughing.
Pintard said she asked to be removed from that cell, but her request was ignored. She also claimed that an officer came and asked her to take her mask off against her will.
Pintard said she was spoken to and treated with disrespect by the officer. She also believed that she was put at risk of possible exposure to COVID-19.
“What (has happened) to me at Central Police Station was inhumane; I was put in the male cell with a man who had a severe cough. I asked to be moved, and nothing was done,” she told the court.
“I would have to wait five days before I can take a COVID test, and then quarantine for 14 days. I don’t think I would be able to return to court on October 18,” Pintard told the magistrate.
Magistrate Brown advised Pintard to file a complaint. She adjourned the matter to November 9 and ordered Pintard not to contact the virtual complainant.
Pintard was granted $3,500 bail with one or two suretors.
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