Garbage fight goes to Medan court

MEDAN, North Sumatra: A young man was forced to face the Medan district court on Tuesday after hitting a middle-aged woman over a dispute involving garbage.

The young man, identified as Jn, 34, allegedly struck Korina, 50, who was in a heated argument with future mother-in-law Maria, 45, over garbage disposal problems.

"I hit the victim because she insulted my future mother-in-law and said bad words to her. I did not hit her intentionally," Jn told presiding judge F.Simanjuntak on Tuesday.

Antara quoted the defendant as saying that he accidentally hit the victim after trying to resolve the fight between the two ladies.

Korina told the court that she was struck in the back and incurred slight injuries in her left arm and back.

She also claimed to feel dizzy after being struck.

The defendant is being charged under Article 351 of the Criminal Code on assault and battery, which carries a maximum sentences of two years and eight months. (dja)