Judge scolds retirees for fighting

Two retirees, one 82 years old and the other 70, were scolded by a senior parish judge on Wednesday, who expressed great disappointment at their attendance in the criminal court.

"It's very unusual, you have broken a record somewhere. I can't tell both of you how to behave when you should be the one setting an example for us," Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell told the women. It was reported that the complainant was washing her car, when the defendant, Eleanor Thompson, came outside her home and started an argument with her. The complainant walked away, but shortly thereafter felt a slap to the back of her head, allegedly done by the octogenarian. Prosecutors outlined further that Thompson uttered the words, "Me shoulda kick yuh down the stairs," then proceeded to kick the complainant in the back, causing bruising and swelling. She was subsequently charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. But when presented with the allegations, she maintained her innocence.

"Your Honour, she's telling a lie," Thompson said. Both women accepted Burrell's suggestion to mediate the matter with a representative from Restorative Justice. Following two hours of mediation, the women returned to court, with an agreement to settle the matter.

"The complainant said she wants to be able to live in peace. She does not want her [Thompson] to be her friend or try to be her friend. She just wants to be left alone," the prosecutor shared of the mediation agreement. Thompson was subsequently discharged from the court, following the successful mediation agreement.

- T.T.