UDP’s Yellow Man Charged With Assaulting Police Officer

UDP’s Brian Edward Audinett, better known as “Yellow Man,” was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of aggravated assault upon a police officer and is now out on bail.  The 43-year-old Audinett of Iguana Street, Belize City, appeared before a Senior Magistrate, represented by attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington. He was read a single charge alleging that on Wednesday, on King Street, he committed an aggravated assault upon Police Constable Kevin Laing, who was acting in the execution of his duties.  In court, Audinett pleaded not guilty. There was no objection to bail, but the prosecution requested conditions. Bail was granted in the sum of $1,500 plus one surety of the same amount, which Audinett met. As part of his bail conditions, he is not to interfere with or contact the virtual complainant, the complainant’s family members, or any prosecution witnesses, directly or indirectly, including via social media.  Police allege that the incident arose after a dispute involving a food vendor near King Street and Amara Avenue, where Audinett was accused of not paying for food. Police say PC Laing intervened and that Audinett became disorderly, used profanity, and struck the officer’s hand while the officer attempted to calm the situation.  Speaking to the media after posting bail, Audinett denied the allegations, maintaining that he did not assault the officer and claiming that he had paid for the food. He said a friend, Alfonso Noble, witnessed the entire incident.

Audinett remains on bail as the matter proceeds through the court.  He is due to return to court on February 16.