Teen stabs cousin in fight over $800

A senior parish judge ordered that an 11th grade student of a Corporate Area high school must make compensation of $200,000, after he admitted to stabbing his cousin during a brawl.

The compensation was agreed by Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque, after the complainant shared that he was not working for a month, due to the severity of the injuries.

"I think it is unreasonable for you to say you think $50,000 is reasonable for his injuries," the judge commented, after the teen's mother proffered the counter offer. The teen pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding on Tuesday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

It was shared by prosecutors that the teen, who is charged along with couple Victoria Fagan and Turan Fagan, intervened in an altercation with the complainant. The complainant reportedly credited goods totalling $800 at a shop operated by the Fagans and paid the sum to Turan. Sometime thereafter the complainant was approached by Victoria, who asked him about the sum owed, to which he informed her that he had already paid Turan.

The court heard that Turan denied being paid. This led to an argument between the parties which escalated to a physical altercation. It was shared by the prosecutor that the teen attacked the complainant from behind and stabbed him with a knife.

Victoria, who is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, claims that the complainant slapped her in her face first and she retaliated. Turan, who is also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, pleaded not guilty.

"Look at the trouble that has come over $800. I am concerned when I hear a 16-year-old has the heart to take up a knife and stab somebody. Supposed you did touch a vital organ? You know you could have bigger problems than what you're in now," the judge said.

The teen, who remained mum even as the judge sought to find out why he stabbed the complainant, was told to take a glimpse into the holding area of the court, where the hardened criminals were.

"You are standing in a criminal court with adults. If you don't want to talk to me, I will keep you somewhere because this is not normal or healthy behaviour for a 16-year-old. Come out the dock, have him look in the cell. How in there look to you?" the senior jurist quizzed.

"Not pretty," the teen responded, quickly moving away from the holding area.

It was then that the teen explained that he saw the confrontation between the complainant and the Fagans and decided to intervene, by stabbing the complainant. The incised wound, which was shown in court, is located on the complainant's lower right side. Judge Cole-Montaque then chided the teen's mother.

"The healthy, average 16-year-old must not have the heart to take up a knife and stab somebody from behind. No provocation, nobody nah attack him. I don't normalise bad behaviour. Some people think that because this is a criminal court, and is not murder, it is not serious something. This is serious, he is 16 years old; this is not normal for a 16-year-old and as a parent, you should be fearful," Judge Cole-Montaque expressed.

The matter was adjourned until November 13, when the minor is expected to be sentenced. The Fagans are to return to court on the same date, when their matter is set for mention.