Lawyer accused of punching out female’s tooth

A lawyer has found herself in hot water after she allegedly knocked out a woman's tooth during a brawl at the offices of the Registrar's General Department on Duke Street, downtown Kingston.

The lawyer, Nicole Lawrence, been charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. The woman, whose tooth was knocked out, demanded $600,000 in compensation when the matter was mentioned in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Thursday. She argued that she will have to undergo cosmetic surgery to replace the tooth.

The court heard that Cassandra Brown, the woman who lost the tooth, was being assisted by a customer care representative when Lawrence walked up to the counter, seeking to receive assistance.

Brown reportedly told the attorney that she had not yet completed her business. At that point, a verbal altercation reportedly ensued between the women. The altercation turned physical and Lawrence, allegedly punched Brown in the face, causing a tooth to fall.

Lawrence alleged that Brown bit her on the thumb. Brown has been charged with unlawful wounding.

Having heard the allegations, Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque commented that "This seems like something that went from zero to 100".

Lawrence's attorney, Stewart Stephenson, said: "Your Honour, you can understand being in a government office and patience dries out, [But] let me not say much".

Cole-Montaque retorted that when she goes to government offices, "I don't wear judge on my head and I don't see the reason".

The medical certificates in the case remain outstanding. The matter was adjourned until March 5.