Assault case against PNP councillor Ian Barnswell referred to mediation in Clarendon

An assault case against People's National Party (PNP) Councillor Ian Barnswell is set to go to mediation after the matter was mentioned in the Clarendon Parish Court in Lionel Town on Friday.

Barnswell was charged nearly a year ago following an incident in Hayes during the lead-up to the general election. At the time, he was the PNP candidate for Southeastern Clarendon. It is alleged that, after a verbal disagreement, he struck a woman in the back with a bottle of water. Barnswell has strongly denied the accusation.

All parties have agreed to pursue mediation. Barnswell's attorney, Michael Thomas Shorter, said he hopes the dispute can be settled now that the confrontation occurred at the height of the political season and tempers may have eased. He added that if mediation does not succeed, the case will remain on the trial list, and expressed confidence that Barnswell will ultimately leave court in good spirits.

The complainant, Charmaine Cardner, said she has grown frustrated with how slowly the matter is moving through the courts. She noted that this was her third court appearance in the case and that the repeated dates are affecting her livelihood.

Cardner explained that each hearing forces her to miss work at the market, where she would normally sell goods. She said she has had to travel to Lionel Town for hospital visits to collect medication and attend private medical appointments, only to find herself back in court again shortly afterward.