A Mahdia-based driver, Joel Dear, was brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court this week to answer charges of assault and damage to property following an incident involving his ex-girlfriend.

Dear, 46, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to both charges. The court heard that on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Alexander Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Dear allegedly assaulted Jeanette James, his former partner. The incident reportedly escalated to include damage to property, though specific details of the property involved were not disclosed during the initial hearing.

The prosecution outlined the allegations, stating that Dear’s actions constituted both physical assault and malicious damage. Dear, through his attorney, denied the allegations and maintained his innocence.

The magistrate granted bail and scheduled the matter for a later date, allowing time for further investigation and for both parties to prepare their cases. The incident has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the need for robust legal responses to such cases.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to addressing domestic violence and ensuring that all allegations are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted according to the law.