Man claims self-defence for stabbing woman

A St James man is claiming self-defence in stabbing a woman at the Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay.

Everold Stephens, of a Glendevon address, pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge of unlawful wounding in the St James Parish Court last week. The court was told that on October 19, 2024, the complainant was at the market when she was approached by Stephens, who stabbed her on her wrist with a sharp weapon. Sometime later, the complainant pointed out Stephens to the police, and under caution he reportedly said, "A stab mi stab her because we have a long-standing feud." He was subsequently arrested and charged.

But Stephens told presiding Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce that he was attacked by the complainant and four men and was forced to defend himself.

"Miss, mi deh at the Charles Gordon Market, and four of them come out on me. She (complainant) first stab me inna mi face and burst my face, then her son chopped me, and her babyfather rushed down on me and stab me. If me never defend myself, me woulda dead...all mi house dem bun out, and mi haffi run away and leave Glendevon," said Stephens.

But the complainant rejected Stephens' version of events, saying that the inciting incident was a previous conflict between her daughter and Stephens.

"I was sitting in a car, buying slippers for my baby, and I asked the lady (vendor) how much for the slippers, and I pushed out my hand. By the time I looked through the window, I saw him (Stephens) around the back," said the complainant, adding that that was when Stephens stabbed her.

The court was also told that the complainant's medical certificate was outstanding from the prosecution's case file. Grant-Pryce subsequently set the matter for trial on February 12 and remanded Stephens.

"We will have to try the matter, because if you are acting in self-defence, it means you are pleading not guilty. Self-defence is a complete defence, sir, so if you are saying you are not guilty, we will have to set this matter for trial, so you will have to remain in custody until trial," Grant-Pryce told Stephens.