Judge orders mediation in assault case

A man yesterday was sent to attend mediation when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

The man, Junior Stewart, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm. The court heard that Stewart repeatedly kicked the complainant all over her body causing her to sustain multiple injuries. Stewart provided the court with an explanation. He said that he was involved in an argument with the complainant's aunt, when the complainant intervened. It is alleged that she pointed a glass bottle in his face. Stewart said he then pushed her down and kicked her once.

Before handing down the sentence, Chief Parish Judge Chester Crooks asked both parties if they knew each other, to which they responded that they lived in the same community.

Crooks then asked Stewart if he would be willing to try restorative justice. The complainant said she wanted to be compensated for her medical bills, amounting to $8,000. The pair agreed to restorative justice and should return to court on April 27.

- T.T.