Man allegedly beats babymother with hammer

Chief Parish Judge Chester Crooks offered bail to a 32-year-old Corporate Area man, after his child's mother agreed to attend mediation.

"I am not minded to grant him bail but if the complainant is minded to attend mediation, I won't stop her," the chief parish judge said. Crooks' opposition followed allegations shared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court that the accused, Janoi Latchman, used a hammer to beat the complainant all over her body and to destroy a printer. It is alleged that Latchman went to the complainant's home, took his child's cell phone and went on WhatsApp. He allegedly watched the complainant's status then said, "Yuh block me from yuh status."

Latchman allegedly picked up a hammer and started to destroy the printer, then began hitting the complainant, causing bruising and swelling on her thigh, arm, forehead and head.

The complainant tried to call the police and Latchman allegedly said, "Weh yuh a call police fah? Me aguh kill yuh. Me and yuh caah lef."

Latchman did not enter a plea to malicious destruction of property and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The complainant indicated that she was willing to attend mediation, "for the sake of her child."

"I am doing it [offering bail] very reluctantly," Crooks said. Latchman was offered $100,000 bail with one surety and on the condition that he is to report to the police twice weekly. He was also warned by the judge not to interfere with the complainant.

The matter was adjourned until November 8.