Simona Broomes, driver walk free on assault, threatening language charges

Several charges were Thursday dismissed against former APNU/AFC minister Simona Broomes and her then bodyguard Dexter Austin. The charges stemmed from a confrontation they allegedly had with PPP/C Councillor Dion Younge. The charges were dismissed by Magistrate Dylon Bess following a trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It was alleged that on August 3, 2020, at Sophia, Broomes and Austin unlawfully restrained Younge. It was further alleged that on the same day and at the same location, Broomes and Austin used threatening language towards Younge.

The third charge stated that on the same day and at the same location, Broomes and Austin caused public terror.  It was further alleged that Broomes assaulted Younge to cause him actual bodily harm. The last charge stated that Austin discharged a firearm within 100 yards of public space.

The duo had pleaded not guilty to all the charges on their first court appearance.

According to reports on the day in question, Broomes was seen in a live video following a white car, bearing registration plate PYY 5565. Broomes and her bodyguard followed the men in the vehicle who she said were seen removing several “no fishing” signs that are located near her property.

She said when she spoke to the individuals they used a series of expletives towards her and even threatened her with a gun. The men then got into a vehicle and drove away, and Broomes and her driver followed the car which stopped in Sophia.

While in Sophia, persons began to gather around the individuals while Broomes was relating to a woman what had earlier transpired. Shortly after that, an investigation was launched and Broomes and Austin were charged.