Deejay Ninjaman created a stir when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to answer to a charge of breaching the Noise Abatement Act.
The appearance of the enigmatic artiste, whose real name is Desmond Ballentine, was enough to trigger whispers and stares. When he stood before Senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown to respond to the allegations, he did so in his usual candid and humorous manner.
The investigating officer, Sergeant M. Harris, from the St Andrew south division, said on November 10, about 8:30 p.m., the police went to Headley Avenue in Drewsland and observed a sound system in operation. Checks were made to determine whether Ballentine, the promoter of the event, had received permission from the police to host the event.
He reportedly told the police that he had sought permission from the superintendent in charge of the division, but had received no response. It was later discovered, however, that no permission was granted. He was issued with a summons to attend court.
Ballentine pleaded 'not guilty, with explanation' and proceeded to tell the court that he was not having a dance, but rather a peace campaign. He said the event was part of his recently launched One Umbrella organisation for peace, aimed at providing intervention in troubled communities.
Stopped Before It Started
He said: "I talk to troubled youths. It started about four in di evening and di police stop it 'bout eight or nine. Dat time di sound not even did start play yet."
When asked whether he would be seeking an attorney, he replied: "In this case, I don't feel like I should really get a lawyer. Dis is di first I come to court for doing something good for the country. Every time before, when I come to court, is something bad, but now I was trying to do something good and trying to make a difference."
The matter is to be tried on January 14 in the night court. Before masking a hasty exit, Ballentine told RM Brown, "Much obliged, your Honour."
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