Man threatens babymother with chopper

A 40-year-old woman explained to the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court that she saw it necessary to press charges against her infant daughter's father to teach him respect.

"This was just a punishment for him so him can work on his attitude and have a little respect," the complainant shared. It was reported that the defendant, Oneil Maxam, visited the complainant's home at 6 a.m., demanding to see his six-month-old child. The complainant, the court heard, told Maxam that it was too early to see the child and told him to leave her home. Maxam, according to prosecutors, became disrespectful towards the complainant and gained entry to her house through a window.

The defendant went into the kitchen, grabbed a chopper, and placed it to the complainant's neck and threatened her, saying "Hey gal me a go kill yuh."

Maxam, 25, pleaded guilty to assault at common law and threat to kill. However, he stressed to presiding Judge Carlo Mason that he did not intend to harm the complainant.

"What were you trying to accomplish? If you never planned to use it, why did you take it up then?" Judge Mason quizzed.

"Your Honour, I was just frustrated. I wanted to see my child. Just wanted to kiss and hug my baby, I have a bond with her," Maxam explained.

"This is something that should not have come here in the first place," the presiding judge said. The complainant agreed with the judge and said she only wanted to teach Maxam a lesson and would be willing to end proceedings against him.

Judge Mason recommended that Maxam receives counselling from the Family Court to prevent a reoccurrence.

The Crown indicated that it will offer no evidence against Maxam in the assault matter and will withdraw threat to kill charges. The defendant was subsequently released from court.

- T.T.