Betting shop brawl lands punter in court

Money won from racehorse bets is said to be the cause of a fistfight between two punters at a popular betting shop in the Corporate Area last month.

Persons inside the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court were left stunned on Tuesday when details unfolded of an incident that happened on September 18 about 8:10 p.m., at an off-track betting shop in Clock Tower Plaza, Half-Way Tree. Prosecutors contend that there was an argument between the complainant and Wesley Campbell about money won from bets. Campbell, the court heard, used a chair to hit the complainant in his face.

"We are not friends, but we know each other. He [the complainant] was saying that I don't give anybody money when me win. Me tell him say when him win, him can give who him want [to give] money, and when me win, me will give who me want give money. But me not giving him my money," Campbell explained.

Campbell said it was the complainant who started arguing with him and hurled insults about his children and family, which angered him.

"So, at the very least, you were provoked, but that does not expel you from what you did," Chief Parish Judge Chester Crooks said.

Through on-the-spot mediation, the complainant indicated that he is seeking $100,000 in compensation, but settled for $65,000 for the pain and suffering sustained during the incident. A first payment of $25,000 was made in court and the remaining sums are to be paid by December 4, when Campbell is to be sentenced.