Judge blasts mother for misplaced priorities - Woman pays for child’s graduation instead of compensating man for injury

A senior parish judge chided the actions of a mother of three, who turned up to court without monies to make restitution.

Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell was further peeved when the mother, Vannessa Moore, informed the judge that she was using the monies to pay for her daughter's graduation from basic school.

"You're paying for basic school graduation? Madam, that makes no sense. Your liberty is at stake and you're paying for graduation. Why is it so easy to take money from poor people's pocket?" the judge asked.

Moore, by way of a mediation agreement, was expected to attend the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday to begin making payment of $40,000 to the complainant. Moore is before the court for unlawful wounding, following reports that on January 25, she used a brick to hit the complainant in the head, causing a wound which bled.

"Your Honour, me is a single parent. Me have three children and me not working now. By next month end me a go try get the money," Moore said.

"Do I look like someone who will wait until next month for you to pay this man? I am not going to sit in court and try to draw money from people," Burrell said.

"Madam, pay this man his money. You are going to end up back in court and may pay more than what this agreement said. Sir, go down to the Sutton Street Court and get your money," the judge added.

The matter was subsequently disposed of by the senior judge.