Assault case goes to mediation

The St James man who went before the St James Parish Court in May after reportedly punching a nine-year-old boy who he had accused of breaking his truck window has reached an agreement with the complainant's mother through mediation.

The accused man, Andrew Watson, is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm. The court was given the update on his case when he appeared before presiding judge Sandria Wong-Small on June 27.

The allegations are that on April 4, Watson confronted the child and accused him of breaking one of his truck windows.

Watson then punched the child in the chest, resulting in bruising and swelling.

The child reported the matter to his mother, who went to the police. Watson was subsequently arrested and charged.

When the case was mentioned, Watson's attorney, Michael Hemmings, told the court that the parties had come to a settlement following mediation.

It was further disclosed that Watson had agreed to pay J$80,000 over eight months to the child complainant's mother.

Wong-Small subsequently extended Watson's bail until September 19, when the case will again be mentioned, saying, "Civil proceedings are to be instituted in this case."