Portmore man gets 14 years for burning partner after choking attack

Lavar Braham, a 28-year-old resident of Trainline in Gregory Park, Portmore, received his sentence on Friday in the St Catherine Circuit Court after a conviction for assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent.

Justice Yvonne Brown imposed a term of 14 years and seven months for that offence. Separately, Braham drew three years, two months and 28 days for choking with intent.

The offences arose from an incident in September 2022, when the pair's romantic relationship is said to have deteriorated. Prosecutors told the court that Braham attacked the complainant, striking her and choking her until she lost consciousness. He then, the Crown alleged, doused her with alcohol and lit her on fire. She suffered serious burns and had to be admitted to hospital.

Portmore Police detectives opened a probe that resulted in Braham's arrest. Charges followed after a question-and-answer interview.