District constables injured in father-stepdaughter fight

Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque condemned the actions of a Corporate Area man and his stepdaughter, after an altercation that started at their home, continued at the police station and resulted in two female district constables nursing injuries.

"I think it's terrible that this spilled over to the police station. It shows a complete lack of restraint," said the judge.

Keni Thompson and his stepdaughter Shantae Myers both pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Tuesday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. Thompson also pleaded guilty to malicious destruction of property. Myers contends that Thompson slapped her with a piece of board in her back while they were at home.

It was shared with the court that Myers went to the police station to report the assault. However, Thompson showed up moments later and another altercation started between them.

"He started slut-shaming me about a piercing I have in my mouth," Myers explained.

The district constables who intervened were assaulted in the melee and were left with bruising, swelling and tenderness to their chests. Thompson, who was also charged with two counts of assaulting constable, denied those allegations. He is expected to stand trial in that matter. He agreed to make compensation for damaging Myers' iPhone, which is valued at $40,000, and made a first payment of $10,000 in court.

Thompson and Myers were made the subjects of a fingerprint order and are to return to court on February 29, 2024 for sentencing.

- T.T.