Mugshot of Neville Coke. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. JOHN — A man appeared before a V.I. Superior Court judge on Monday to face charges after he allegedly beat his daughter with a piece of 2x4, leaving injuries.
Neville Coke, age 59, was arrested and charged on December 9 with third-degree assault as an act of domestic violence, possession of a dangerous weapon during a violent crime and disturbance of the peace.
His arrest follows a report by Coke’s daughter, who told police that on December 9 she asked her father to retrieve $800 from her bank account for her. According to the probable cause fact sheet, when Coke returned home with the money and gave it to the complainant, there was only $600. The woman then called Coke, who had already left the residence, and told him that he did not give her all the money. She told police that Coke returned home and began arguing with her. He then took a 2x4 from behind a chair in the living room and began hitting her in the head, arms, thighs and back, according to court documents. He also allegedly punched her in the head with a closed fist.
When Coke stopped assaulting the woman, she said she would report the incident to police, at which point he left his daughter’s residence.
Investigations revealed that the woman sustained injuries to her left arm, left side of her face and left leg. She was transported to the Myrah Keating Clinic for medical treatment and was advised to seek treatment at the Schneider Regional Medical Center.
Cook was found near Coco Jims Restaurant in St. John and placed under arrest.
In court on Monday, a judge approved Coke's release after he signed an unsecured bond for the full bail amount of $1,000. The judge also gave the suspect an opportunity to retrieve his belongings from the residence with the assistance of law enforcement officials.
Coke is barred from leaving the St. Thomas- St. John District without the court’s written permission, and he must report to the Office of Probation once a week. He was also ordered to have no unlawful contact with the complainant.
