Reduit Beach.
A Reduit Beach vendor who accused a restaurant owner of assaulting and spitting in her face during a confrontation has said she is willing to settle the matter out of court.
Marietta Benjamin told the media outside the Gros Islet Court House today that she is willing to settle the matter if the accused, Michael Richings, promises to show her some respect.
“We want out respect in Saint Lucia, we need to respect each other,” Benjamin told reporters.
Richings, the owner of Spinnakers Restaurant and Bar, located at Reduit Beach, is accused of verbally and physically abusing the vendor on Dec. 10, 2014.
The businessman, through his lawyer, had denied spitting on the vendor. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault, arising from the incident, when he appeared in court today.
Benjamin, had told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that she was selling a few Piton beers for which permission was not granted.
The businessman apparently found out about it and confronted her, which led to an argument. The woman claimed that the man was rude and disrespectful and she was rude in return.
Benjamin alleged that the said businessman went on to spit in her face during the argument and assaulting her. The woman claimed that the businessman reported her to the police.
She also claimed that he twisted the story to say that she spit in his face.
Benjamin said she has been selling on the Reduit Beach for the past 18 years.