Before he reached the door, his wife asked him where he was going, Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham told the court.

“He said he was ‘going to do his business,’” Mr. Graham said, adding, “She was not happy with that response.”

Mr. James appeared in Magistrates’ Court Tuesday facing one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to a fight that occurred afterward.

According to the allegations, Mr. James’ wife followed him outside into a nearby parking lot, where he attempted to get into a truck and leave. A struggle ensued, and he eventually hit her in the face, then drove about 45 feet, dragging her while she clung to the vehicle, prosecutors said.

During the proceedings Tuesday, Mr. Graham said the alleged victim wished to drop charges. Mr. James was ordered to enrol in the 16-week Partnership for Peace programme, as part of his bail conditions. Following his completion of the course, the Crown will decide whether or not to pursue the charges, Mr. Graham said.

See the Jan. 31, 2013 edition for full coverage.