Spanish Town Landlord, 84, Pleads Guilty to Assault After Scalding Tenant With Hot Water

An elderly landlord from Spanish Town, St Catherine, who confessed to dousing his tenant with hot water amid a row will return to court next month to learn his sentence.

Albert Thomas, 84, entered a guilty plea to assault occasioning bodily harm when he stood before Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle on June 23. His sentencing date has been fixed for July 21, 2026.

Thomas acknowledged what he had done during the proceedings. "Your honour, he threw dirty water on me about week before, so I hot the water and throw it on him," he told the court.

The judge directed that a Social Enquiry Report be prepared and raised questions about Thomas's health. She observed that he was noticeably hunched over and needed relatives to help him get to court.

Judge Nelson-Gayle also spoke about restitution the complainant is pursuing. "I realise that the complainant is seeking $800,000, but the medical report does not support that. The complainant suffered pains and will need money, so that must be available, when next you appear," she said.

Court papers state that on April 21, 2026, the complainant was at his residence when an argument broke out with Thomas. In the course of the clash, Thomas is said to have hurled hot water at the man, scorching his right hand and leg.

The victim was rushed to hospital and treated for his burns. After police inquiries, Thomas was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and later confirmed his guilt before the court.