A nine-year-old child was allegedly assaulted by a drunk couple who pushed their way into the family's cruise cabin after being told to keep the noise down, according to police in Florida.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening (August 15) aboard a cruise ship, American police confirmed. Ohio couple Gannon Jacox, 29, and Brooklyn Hicks, 28, are now being held in custody, the New York Post reports.
Charges Filed
Both have since been charged with several offences, Brevard County sheriff Wayne Ivey stated, who released a statement detailing the events aboard the vessel.
Jacox and Hicks were 'apparently arguing quite loudly' after drinking alcohol, Ivey stated. One of the victims subsequently requested the couple quieten down, triggering a confrontation.
Alleged Attack
"Hicks apparently didn't like the request so she decided to go confront them. Jacox then decides it's a great idea to walk over with his cell phone and start recording the incident as he tells Hicks to beat them up!" Ivey added, reports the Daily Star.
"The suspects then pushed their way into the victims room, which included a nine-year-old child that was inside the room! As a fight ensued Jacox ends up hitting all three people (including the child) and Hicks was just swinging, hoping one would land."
While none of the alleged assault victims sustained serious injuries, Jacox suffered a 'pretty gross injury to his eye', the statement continued.
Legal Proceedings
Jacox has been remanded in custody facing charges of Burglary With A Battery and Child Abuse Without Great Bodily Harm, while Hicks has been charged with Burglary With Battery and Battery-Touch/Strike, according to Ivey.
Brevard County, situated 40 miles east of Orlando, is home to the Kennedy Space Centre and Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. The terminal serves vessels operated by Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, MSC, Celebrity, and Princess. The name of the ship on which Jacox and Hicks were travelling has yet to be revealed.
