Man allegedly hit in face for begging money

A St James man, who reportedly hit another man in his face for asking a third party for money, had his bail extended following his appearance in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

Kenneth Campbell pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault occasioning bodily harm when he appeared before presiding Parish Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton. Allegations are that on August 9, the complainant was at Lightbody Avenue in Montego Bay asking another person for money, when Campbell intervened and ordered him to stop. Campbell then hit the complainant in his face, causing bruising and swelling.

The complainant reported the incident to the police, but a few days later, he was accosted by Campbell, who reportedly threatened him. The complainant subsequently pointed out Campbell to the police, and Campbell was arrested and charged.

"Do you have a lawyer, sir?" the clerk of the court asked Campbell after the allegations were outlined.

"No, I don't want a lawyer," Campbell replied.

The court was also told that the prosecution's case file is complete, but that the medical certificate needs to be prepared in a specific prescribed form to be added. It was also disclosed that the complainant had gone to a private doctor after the alleged incident.

"Case management is set on December 11, 2024. That is when you come back to court, and a fingerprint order is made. Your bail is extended until then," Fairclough-Hylton told Campbell.

"Respect and manners," Campbell replied briefly before being directed out of the courtroom.