Assault accused had bruises on body, court told

Kathryn Kimberley

THE state has conceded that multiple assault accused Brent Cunningham had bruises on his body when he was arrested on December 30 last year.

The submission was made on the first day of trial at the St Albans Prison Court yesterday (28/03/2013), where the 21-year-old has been detained since his arrest.

The matter, which has caused massive public outcry, proceeded to trial yesterday after the prosecution and the defence once again failed to come to a plea and sentence agreement.

The court yesterday heard how Cunningham’s alleged victims were not the only ones with injuries following the altercation which took place on the night of December 27.

During formal bail proceedings in January, the state vehemently denied that Cunningham had any physical markings when he handed himself over to the Kabega Park police station just days after he allegedly beat up his ex-girlfriend and two of her friends.

Yesterday, Senior Public Prosecutor Willie Pretorius, who has since taken over the case, put all charges to Cunningham.

He said the state would prove that Cunningham assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Shireen Ballan, 36, outside her Morningside home on December 27 by punching her in the face.

According to Pretorius, Cunningham went on to punch Ballan’s friend, Albert Erasmus, in the face twice.

It is further alleged that he shoved Erasmus’s fiancee, Chantel Burger.

Cunningham quietly pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Before proceedings kicked off, Cunningham chatted to his sister, Trishke, and best friend Gabbi Jenner, who attended court to show their support.

Ballan was again accompanied to court by new boyfriend, Trevor Wilson.