Bail continued for mediation in Kingston assault case involving teen

KINGSTON, Jamaica — At the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, bail for a man facing an assault occasioning bodily harm charge was continued so the parties can try mediation.

Presiding Judge Peter Wilson kept Kamarine Williams on bail. Williams faces the assault occasioning bodily harm allegation involving a 16-year-old complainant. The teenager and his mother attended the hearing.

Speaking to Williams, Judge Wilson underlined how serious the accusation before the court is.

“I don’t know how old you are but definitely much older than this gentleman,” the judge said, referring to the teenage complainant. “Which mean seh you put your hand pan the little boy… You understand? ….You are stronger than the youth.”

Judge Wilson then turned to the 16-year-old, telling him to stay clear of violence and put his energy into schooling.

“You need to spend your time in school. Mi nuh really like this argument seh you a fight,” the judge said.

Indicating the youth’s mother, Judge Wilson noted the sacrifices she makes for her son.

“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,” he said.

He pressed the point that schooling, rather than street fights, opens a better path ahead.

“If you doubt me, turn around and look in there,” Judge Wilson said, gesturing toward the court cells holding people in custody. “They didn’t listen to Mommy.”

Wilson also told Williams to engage fully so mediation can work. The case is set to be back before the court on November 26.