Deadbeat dads irk judge

The prevalence of deadbeat dads on the island has been described as a "national disease" by a senior judge of the parish court.

Sanchia Burrell made the strong claim while hearing a matter in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Wednesday. She said the family court is overwhelmed with cases that involve women seeking child support.

"It's a national disease that we have in Jamaica. The family court is full of mothers trying to get child support," the judge said. Her comments came as she considered an assault matter brought against a man, after he allegedly beat the mother of his child.

The man's attorney told the court that he was interested in mediation, as he shares a 16-month-old child with the complainant.

"The medical seems to show the injuries are not serious," his attorney stated.

The complainant agreed to mediation, but indicated that she is scheduled to do a CT-scan to determine the extent of the injuries she suffered.

The woman told the judge that that "there is no co-parenting" taking place and agreed that she chose a bad father for her child.

Burrell advised the parents to go to mediation and try and have their issues resolved.

"It's not an opportunity to flex your muscles and go to war," the judge cautioned.