Judge urges accused and teenage complainant to stay out of fights
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A Jamaican judge extended bail for a man accused of assaulting a 16-year-old.
- The judge urged both the accused and the teenage complainant to avoid further conflict and focus on mediation.
- The case is set to return to court on November 26, with the judge emphasizing education over fighting for the youth.
A judge in Jamaica has extended bail for a man charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, urging both the accused and the teenage victim to seek mediation and avoid further altercations. The matter came before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.
I donโt know how old you are but definitely much older than this gentleman. Which mean seh you put your hand pan the little boyโฆ You understand? โฆ.You are stronger than the youth.
Presiding Judge Peter Wilson extended the bail for Kamarine Williams, who faces the charge involving a 16-year-old complainant. The judge directly addressed Williams, noting the age difference and the physical disparity, stating, "You are stronger than the youth."
Judge Wilson also spoke sternly to the 16-year-old complainant, advising him to prioritize his education and refrain from fighting. "You need to spend your time in school. Mi nuh really like this argument seh you a fight," the judge said, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the teenager's mother. He pointed to the court cells as a stark reminder of the consequences of not heeding parental advice.
You need to spend your time in school. Mi nuh really like this argument seh you a fight.
Emphasizing education as the path to a better future, Judge Wilson urged Williams to actively participate in the mediation process to ensure its success. The court is scheduled to revisit the case on November 26.
Every piece of clothes that you have on is a sacrifice, the phone that you have is a sacrifice, but you are involved in fighting and dem kind of thing deh. I want you to read your book, move up in life an carry her.
Originally published by Jamaica Observer. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.