TV host Clem David on threatening language charge
Hundreds of people yesterday converged on the Georgetown Magistrate's Court when Clem David, host of the Sunrise Show on CNS Channel 6, appeared in court to answer a charge of using threatening language. As early as 09.00 hrs, the police were at the court and only allowed persons with court cases and other related matters into the compound. Curious onlookers and supporters were restrained by barriers placed outside the gates and police were seen all around with radios. David, according to the police, is alleged to have used threatening language against Mohamed Naseer Hassan, an employee of Japarts Store, Croal Street, on February 10. Inspector Faye Bremner, who was prosecuting, told Chief Magistrate, Paul Fung-A-Fat, that on the day in question, David was passing Japarts Store when he overheard Hassan and another employee discussing the Linden 'Blackie' London siege at Eccles. According to the inspector, David asked if they were speaking about him and Hassan replied that they were not. The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, is then alleged to have told Hassan that he was going to "kick him up." He left saying that he was going to report the matter to the police. Hassan later reported the matter to the police who, following investigations, laid charges against David. Attorney-at-law Basil Williams, appearing for David, refuted the police's version. He said that the men were indeed speaking about the 'Blackie' siege. However, he said, Hassan on seeing the defendant said, "Look Clem coming, he shoulda get kill like 'Blackie.'" Williams claimed that David left to report the matter to the police who, instead of placing Hassan before the courts, charged his client. The lawyer requested two weeks to file cross-charges against the complainant and stated his intention to hotly contest the charge filed against his client by the police. The magistrate placed David on his own recognisance and set the next court date for April 11. Several television stations which received news of David's court appearance were also present. And accompanying the television personality was host of 'Justice for All' Chandra Narine Sharma, who is also owner of Channel 6. As they were leaving, the defendant and Sharma were mobbed by the crowd gathered outside the court. The two tried to use another gate to leave but were again besieged by the group, who were loudly voicing their support for David. The crowd followed them down Brickdam to the television station on Robb Street.
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