Attorney argues self-defence in stabbing case

The attorney representing a 33-year-old woman who stabbed her children's father after a domestic dispute informed the court that his client will argue self-defence.

"The preliminary report indicates self-defence. She has the injury inflicted by the deceased and self-defence is alive," Vincent Wellesley Sr said on Thursday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. His client, 33-year-old Symone Harrison, is charged with murder, following the death of her babyfather Kimalie Simmonds. It is alleged that on August 12 about 11:30 p.m., Simmonds went to Harrison's house where he saw that their two children had been left alone. When Harrison arrived, an argument developed between them and it is alleged that Simmonds removed a gas cylinder from inside the house and tried to leave with it.

Another argument started, which became physical, and it is alleged that Simmonds inflicted injuries to Harrison's right wrist and left arm. The court heard that Harrison used a bottle shard to stab the deceased in the left side of his neck. He was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

"She is saying that he took the gas cylinder and threatened to burn down the house with herself and the children. There was a confrontation which ended tragically. She was taken to the hospital where she was treated," Wellesley argued. However, Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque questioned the attorney's rationale.

"When you read through the summary provided, yes there was an altercation and there seems to me that the now deceased walked off and was subsequently followed by the defendant. So, is it really, in its truest sense, self-defence or retaliation?" she questioned. But Wellesley held to the argument that the deceased threatened his client, adding that she had been injured by him before.

The lawyer told the court that his client earns a living from working on construction sites as a painter, but if she is offered bail, she would reside with relatives in the centre of the island.

However, Cole-Montaque said that she would prefer the police conduct a thorough investigation on the area to which Harrison intends to relocate, and for the relative who will accommodate her to attend court.

The matter was adjourned until August 30 and Harrison was remanded in custody until then. She was also made the subject of a fingerprint order.

- T.T.