Man attacks brother in dispute

A Rastafarian sang great praises yesterday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, citing that it was the works of Jah that spared his life after his machete wielding brother attacked him while fighting with their father.

"I was at my home because all of us live same place, and I heard my father making some noise. I had a rod and I saw him and my father wrestling. I ran and said 'What's going on?' and by time I look Your Honour, this man [his brother] had a machete. I give Jah thanks for life because I shouldn't be here right now. Him start chop offa me," Leroy Edwards shared with the court.

He is charged in a cross case with his brother Kirk Edwards for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, following an incident at their home on February 7.

"God has a purpose for you that's why you are still here," Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque assured Leroy.

Asked by the judge if he wanted to end the matter, Leroy contended that he is seeking 'justice' for being attacked.

"Tell me what you want, tell me what is in your justice package," judge Cole-Montaque pressed.

Leroy explained that his view of justice is compensation after sustaining injuries and bruises to his back and hand.

"Are you willing to pay your brother for the injury he claimed he suffered? Yes or no sir, are you willing to pay him?" the judge asked Kirk.

"If him want pay, me a go want pay too," he replied.

The brothers were referred to mediation and are expected to return to court on April 27.

- T.T.