Mother, daughters in court for ganging up on another woman

A St James woman and her two daughters, who allegedly beat another woman and damaged her gold chain following a confrontation on a bus in January, are booked to return to the St James Parish Court on March 13 to canvass mediation with the complainant.

Ann-Marie Smith and her daughters Georgia Gray and Shantae Jarrett, all of Kensington in the parish, are charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and malicious destruction of property.

They received the new court date from presiding parish judge Sasha-Marie Ashley on Wednesday, after the complainant failed to attend the court hearing.

Allegations are that on January 13,2024, the complainant travelled to Montego Bay to purchase items. On her way back home, she and Smith were travelling on the same bus together when Smith started making utterances toward her.

The complainant ignored Smith, but shortly afterwards, Smith confronted her again, this time accompanied by Gray and Jarrett. The three defendants then hit the woman in her face and chest, tore her blouse, and damaged her gold chain valued at $6,000.

The police were called, and under caution Smith reportedly said, "Officer, mi nuh lick her good yet...mi did want hold her di right way you see".

Gray allegedly said, "Mi nah mek no big gal go thump my mother and mi nuh defend dat; gal haffi get slap up."

Jarrett reportedly said under caution, "Mi nah mek no gal touch my modda, mi a go defend di team, mi shoulda mash her down better still, with no apology, officer."

All three were subsequently arrested and charged.

In court on Wednesday, the three defendants told Judge Ashley that it was the first time such an incident had happened and that it was not a recurring dispute.

"We need to get the complainant here. You all know each other, you're all from the same community?" Ashley inquired.

"Yes, Your Honour," the defendants all replied.

The matter was then stood down to allow an opportunity for the complainant to attend court so mediation could be put forward to resolve the dispute. However, the complainant did not turn up.

As a result, the matter was set for mention on March 13.