Machete attack leaves man injured

A verbal altercation is alleged to be the cause of a wounding incident between a Corporate Area man and his neighbour.

"I get 10 stitches in and out Your Honour," the complainant explained, showing his right hand in a sling and his swollen fingers. Allegations outlined by prosecutors in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court state that on August 31, the complainant saw the accused, Oneil Barton, walking with a girl from the community and said something to him. It was not shared by the prosecutors what exactly was said, but it is alleged that Barton was angered by the words. The complainant went to his home and heard Barton cursing, and sometime thereafter, while the complainant was going to a nearby shop, he was attacked by a machete-wielding Barton. Further allegations stated that Barton aimed for the complainant's face, but the complainant held up his hand in defence and was chopped on the arm.

Barton pleaded not guilty to unlawful wounding, indicating to Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell that he acted in self-defence. The men objected to attending mediation to resolve the matter and were ordered to return to court on November 20, when the matter is set for file completion. Barton was made the subject of a fingerprint order.

- T.T.