Roadway brawl lands Montego Bay men in court

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A St James man who allegedly attacked his neighbour due to a long-standing family dispute had his case set for mention on July 17 when he appeared in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Winston Irving, of a Barracks Road address in Montego Bay, is charged for malicious destruction of property and assault occasioning bodily harm, committed against Martin Foster. The two men were ordered to attend mediation sessions to settle their differences.

It is alleged that on January 18, at approximately 3 p.m., Foster was walking along Barracks Road when Irving came up behind him and hit him in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground. In response, Foster punched Irving all over his body, causing bruising and swelling, and also tore Irving's shirt pocket.

In court, Irving told Resident Magistrate Winsome Henry that Foster was always harassing and teasing him.

"He (Foster) always sees me and teases me. When he saw me (on the day of the incident), him say, 'Look what me do you, boy', and go so," said Irving, while demonstrating a threatening gesture.

CONTRADICTORY CLAIMS

But Foster disputed Irving's allegation, saying that he had not been living in the community for several years.

"I have not seen this man for 15 years, and I have never troubled him. I never had a problem with him. His family had a problem with me," said Foster.

"It has passed down from his (Irving) parents to him, and it is going to stop with this generation. I do not want any further problems or any brawls in the street," RM Henry said firmly before referring the men to mediation and setting the case for July 17.