Woman punches brother’s girlfriend in stomach

A St James woman has been ordered to attend restorative justice sessions with her brother's babymother, following an incident in May where she reportedly punched the complainant in the stomach during a physical confrontation at their shared home.

Keveena Hemmings, who is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, got the order and had her bail extended to July 28 when she appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday. The court was told that on May 21, Hemmings and her brother's girlfriend got into an argument at the family home, during which Hemmings grabbed the complainant's hair and punched her in the stomach.

In explaining her side of the story, Hemmings told presiding judge Sasha-Marie Ashley that the quarrel was triggered by her long-standing issue with the complainant not contributing to the household expenses.

"When she just came [to the house], she said some things that were not nice, and I had an issue with her not helping to pay bills. I tried to keep from having any argument, but I was the only one who was trying, so she needed to try too," Hemmings said.

"Based on what am hearing, you are going to need to sit at a round table and sort out the issues," Judge Ashley replied. The court was also told that the complainant's medical certificate was outstanding from the case file.

Following the matter being briefly stood down, Hemmings had her bail extended for the case to continue on July 28.

- C.T.