Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A man, who allegedly used a broomstick to beat a woman, had his case deferred to September 14 in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court, as the complainant failed to appear on Thursday.

Stephen Smith, 22, of Granville, St. James, is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm against Sita Sawyers.

When the matter was called up, the court was told that the medical certificate was still outstanding.

It was also revealed that Sawyers was absent, but had previously indicated that she did not wish to proceed with the case.

Resident Magistrate Sandria Wong-Small set the case for mention on September 14, at which time Sawyers is expected to be in attendance.

Allegations are that, on May 26, Smith went to a house where Sawyers was visiting with friends. An argument developed between the two, and Smith hit Sawyers on her left hand with a broomstick and punched her in the face.