By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A HOMELESS Grand Bahama man who admitted to punching two women was convicted and sentenced yesterday to eight months in prison by a Freeport magistrate.
Emerson Harding, 38, was also ordered to attend substance abuse sessions at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre after he pleaded to the court for help with his alcohol and drug addiction problem.
“I addicted to drugs, and I don’t have nowhere to live,” Harding told Magistrate Simon Brown. “I get in problems and to try to feel better about my situation, I drink and take drugs and get in trouble. I sorry for what I did. I need help. It hard to make a change when nobody helping you.”
Harding pleaded guilty to intentionally and unlawfully causing harm to Pamela Hall on January 20 and to Kiola Newbold on January 9 at Freeport.
Prosecutor Sergeant Garth McIntosh told the court that Ms Hall had just left an establishment around 1pm on January 20 when a male punched her in the face for no reason and caused her pain. He said the complainant told police that she and the man had no quarrel before the incident.
She was seen by a doctor who described her injuries as not serious.
Ms Newbold also reported that while walking home from the bus stop at Scott Avenue, a male punched her in the right ear for no reason. She told the police that she and the man had no quarrel. She went to Rand Memorial Hospital where she was treated by a doctor.
Sgt McIntosh said police conducted investigations into both matters and arrested Harding, who was cautioned. He said the accused admitted to officers of committing the offences and that he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The prosecutor informed the court that Harding also has antecedents and was recently released from prison after serving a 12-year sentence for attempted murder.
Harding, who was not represented by counsel, told the court that he is homeless and jobless. He also admitted to serving time in prison.
He told the magistrate that he has a drug and alcohol addiction problem. “I sniff weed and take (cocaine), I drink rum and I take pills,” Harding said.
Magistrate Brown said the court views him as a danger to society.
When asked if has any children, Harding said, “no.”
“You are still young, and you can turn yourself around, but you have to stop your drug habits,” the magistrate said.
When asked about his employment history, Harding said he used to work at the container port, but was laid off when the company downsized during the recession.
“I never had a steady job after that,” he explained. “Please, if I can get help, I am sure I can change. I need assistance to get off the road.”
Magistrate Brown convicted Harding on the two counts of causing harm. She sentenced him to four months in reference to the incident on January 20, and eight months imprisonment in reference to the January 9 incident.
The magistrate said the sentences are to run concurrently.
She also ordered Harding to attend drug rehabilitation sessions at Sandilands while at the prison.
Additionally, Harding was charged with two counts of robbery with violence.
It is alleged that on January 19, at Freeport, the accused robbed a woman of a black handbag, containing $120 cash, and used personal violence.
It is also alleged that on January 17, at Freeport, the accused robbed another woman of a brown handbag containing one passport, ABM card, NIB card, and $150 cash, and used personal violence.
He was not required to enter a plea to the charges.
Prosecutor McIntosh objected to bail.
The matters were adjourned to April 4 when a voluntary bill of indictment will be served.
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