St James Bar Operator Set for Trial in Alleged Patron Wounding Case

MONTEGO BAY, St James — A St James businessman accused of injuring a patron at his bar has been ordered to stand trial on an unlawful wounding charge.

When the matter came up on Wednesday, Laurice Johnson, represented by attorney Michael Hemmings, appeared before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton in the St James Parish Court.

The judge set the case for trial on May 28 and extended Johnson’s bail until that date.

Prosecutors say the charge stems from events at a bar on Barnett Street in St James on February 19 at about 8:30 pm.

According to the allegations, the complainant was in the establishment using a gaming machine when he became upset with the result.

Investigators claim he then hit the machine repeatedly, attracting attention from others inside the bar.

The bartender reportedly stepped in and told him to use up any credits he still had before leaving.

The prosecution further alleges that Johnson, said to be the bar owner, then approached and told the man to leave.

As the complainant was going out, Johnson allegedly shoved him through the doorway using his body.

The State also alleges that the dispute continued outside, where Johnson reportedly took an object from his pocket and used it to cut the complainant’s neck.

Police were later informed, and Johnson was subsequently arrested and charged.