Accuses police of misinforming the public
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - UNITED STATES National Damon Lanning, who was to appear before the District A Magistrate Court yesterday (May 7) for aggravated assault, had his matter adjourned until July 1.
Lanning was charged with allegedly assaulting his estranged wife on March 27, 2013 at Fortlands, Basseterre.
SKNVibes spoke with Lanning yesterday and he said the matter was put off due to the non-appearance of his estranged wife, whom he claims has left the jurisdiction.
His major concern, however, was the fact that a police press release was issued and suggested that he was already convicted of the alleged crime which, he said, could potentially damage his chances of finding employment.
A police press release issued March 28, 2013 stated: "Damon Lanning of Fortlands was formally charged for the offence of Aggravated Assault, which was committed on 27th March 2013 at Fortlands, Basseterre."
Lanning expressed that such statement would give the impression that he had indeed committed the crime rather than just being charged with allegedly committing it.
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He noted that one should remain innocent until proven guilty.
Lanning said he had received calls from his relatives in the United States who questioned what had happened, as they were of the view that he was convicted of the alleged crime.
He said that his intention is to return to the United States in the near future, but he strongly fears that employment in the field for which he is qualified would be a problem because of the information issued and carried in the press.
Lanning said employers have a habit of 'googling' potential employees to gather information about them and, if that is done, they would see the release and immediately be given the impression that he was convicted of a crime.
He said that while the case has not been tried as yet, he strongly believes that he would walk away a free man because "this was just a part of the ongoing divorce battle we have going on".
Speaking to Lanning's Attorney Chesley Hamilton, he said that a statement such as this out in the press could be detrimental in the ongoing outstanding legal issues between Lanning and his estranged wife and in the United States as well.
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Hamilton opined that the information could be used towards the issues surrounding the custody and access to their two children.
