Complainant demands $20,000 for broken flower pots

A dispute between two neighbours, which resulted in two flower pots being destroyed, could not be resolved yesterday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, as the parties could not agree on the amount for compensation of the destroyed items.

It is alleged that the argument started after clothes belonging to the accused, Tiffa Dias, were hung on the line in front of the complainant's front door. The complainant said he spoke to Dias about the inconvenience and went inside his home. But shortly after, it is alleged that Dias knocked over his two flower pots on his verandah, causing damage. Dias pleaded not guilty to malicious destruction of property before Chief Parish Judge Chester Crooks.

The judge tried to mediate the matter in court, but after 34 minutes the probation officers returned to the courtroom and informed the chief jurist that this was unsuccessful.

"Your Honour at the police station, he said it was $6,000 to the office, meaning $3,000 each for the flower pots. Earlier [in court], he said $10,000 each for the pots and it changed for the third time [while in mediation], he said he wants $20,000. That is unfair. Why does he keep changing, changing, changing? That's not fair," Dias told the court, adding that she was willing to pay the complainant $6,000.

"What if we could compromise it at $10,000? Would that work for both of you?" the judge asked. Only Dias agreed. Prosecutors indicated that the file is almost complete for trial as they are only awaiting an eyewitness statement. Dias was made the subject of a fingerprint order and is expected to return to court on December 7, when the matter is set for mention.

- T.T.