Bahamas court fines Jamaican woman US$500 for hammer assault on ex-partner

NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) — July 20: A Jamaican national living in the Bahamas faces transfer to the Department of Immigration once she settles a court fine or finishes a jail term. She entered a guilty plea to wounding her former boyfriend, striking him on the head with a hammer amid a clash in which she said he had stabbed her.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville observed that the charge could draw as much as one year behind bars. He instead ordered 18-year-old Melissa Coke to pay US$500, with three months’ imprisonment as the alternative.

Prosecutors told the court that Coke hurt Keano Rolle in a confrontation at the home they shared on July 8. Evidence indicated she seized his phone during a quarrel, after which the row grew violent.

Although she admitted causing harm, Coke maintained she had defended herself. She accused Rolle of stabbing and beating her in the same episode.

Magistrate Serville recorded that Rolle also faces proceedings linked to the matter and pointed to the severe provocation Coke had faced. He still imposed a penalty meant to discourage others from similar conduct.

The bench directed that, once the fine is paid or the custodial option served, Coke is to be delivered to the Department of Immigration.