Political turncoat, Craig Oates, has been charged with assault following an altercation with an employee of the Hanover Municipal Corporation on Thursday.

The employee, Tevin Spence, of Jericho District in Lucea, has also been charged.

Spence was charged with assault and malicious destruction of property.

Oates is a former PNP activist who recently switched allegiance to the JLP.

Police reports are that just before midday on Thursday, Oates was attending a meeting at the Hanover Municipal Corporation office in Lucea.

While at the location, he got into an argument with Spence, who accused him of “calling-up his name”.

The argument escalated into a physical altercation.

Both parties reportedly “pushed” each other.

During the “pushing” match, Oates’ eyeglasses, reportedly valued at approximately US$800, fell and broke.

A formal report was made at Lucea Police Station.

Following investigations, Oates and Spence were charged.

Both men were later bailed.

They are scheduled to appear in the Lucea Parish Court on September 16.