western bureau

A St James man who dismembered his teenage cousin on Monday paid over $25,000 to the complainant as part of a compensation package when the matter was mentioned in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court.

Marvin Bernard, a 29-year-old resident of Garlands district, was charged with wounding with intent after he allegedly severed his 18-year-old cousin's left hand.

It was agreed that Bernard would compensate the teen $1 million in addition to buying a computer and paying for the teen's computer classes. Bernard is to pay the complainant at least $25,000 per month.

Bernard told the court on Monday that his cousin may have to wait until next September to start classes as his grandmother died and has caused additional expenses for him.

However, Resident Magistrate Winsome Henry instructed him to pay for the classes to start in January and pay less money on the next occasion, scheduled for January 29.

Allegations in the case are that on July 1, the complainant wore a pair of slippers belonging to his younger brother, which resulted in an argument with his grandmother.

It is alleged that subsequent to the argument, Bernard locked the complainant in a section of the house and used a machete to chop at him. The complainant put his left hand up to block the chop during which the hand was completely severed. He was further chopped to the other hand and head.