The man who assaulted Novita Emmanuel – a news reporter employed with Think Caribbean Television (TCT) - pleaded guilty to the offense when he appeared before Magistrate Christine Phulchere at the Gros Islet Courton Wednesday.

The accused man is due to reappear in the court on Friday for sentencing.

Emmanuel was allegedly attacked on July 2009, while performing her duties.

She told media workers at the time of the incident she was taking photographs of a vehicular collision, and the accused man began taking photos of her. During that time, she pointed her camera at him and began taking pictures; after which he allegedly  grabbed her camera and hit her face.

Media practitioners came to the defense of their colleague.

Following the incident a ban was placed by the High Court, prohibiting the use of cameras at the court, which created controversy among local media.

Local representative of the Caribbean Media Workers Association and Former President of the St. Lucia Media Workers Association, Jerry George called on media workers to unite, and reactivate the association. He also called on the police commissioner to investigate the matter.

Copyright 2010 St. Lucia News Online, Andrews Publishing Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.