Magistrate Ayanna O. Baptiste-DaBreo on Thursday, February 20 2020, fined Noe Martinez of the Dominican Republic $750 for fighting with his relative and punching him in his left eye. Photo: VINO/File

The assault, involving 28-year-old Noe Martinez, occurred at Mermaids and Pirates Restaurant and Bar on Virgin Gorda on February 24, 2019.

The lawyer for Martinez, Marylou Creque, said tension between the Virtual Complainant and her client started before the pair met at the restaurant that night.

She said the men who are related were often kept apart by their respected families.

On that night, prosecutors said, the VC and another individual went to the establishment to buy food.

There was a party in progress, and after ordering their meals, they decided to socialise with the revellers.

'I am sick of you'

At about 7.30 pm, the defendant allegedly attacked the VC by holding his neck and knocked him to the floor.

The defendant reportedly punched him in his eye and said to him: “you c*** sucker, I am sick of you.”

The men were eventually parted by the crowd, and the VC reported the matter to the Virgin Gorda Police Station.

At the station, photographs of the injuries the VC sustained were captured on camera, and he was transported to the clinic for medical attention.

The search for the defendant proved futile; however, a few days later, the defendant turned himself into police custody.

During an interview with police, he admitted to attacking his family relative and was charged with the offence of common assault.

The construction worker later admitted that he was guilty before the court.