KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man charged with assault occasioning bodily harm had his bail extended on Tuesday to allow for mediation when the matter came before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. Presiding Judge Peter Wilson extended the bail of Kamarine Williams, who is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm involving a 16-year-old complainant. The complainant and his mother were present in court.
Addressing Williams, Judge Wilson reminded him of the nature of the charge before the court. "I don't know how old you are but definitely much older than this gentleman," the judge said, referring to the teenage complainant. "Which mean seh you put your hand pan the little boy...
….You are stronger than the youth." Judge Wilson also spoke directly to the 16-year-old complainant, urging him to avoid violence and focus on his education. "You need to spend your time in school. Mi nuh really like this argument seh you a fight," the judge said.
Pointing to the teenager's mother, Judge Wilson said she was making sacrifices for her son. "Every piece of clothes that you have on is a sacrifice, the phone that you have is a sacrifice, but you are involved in fighting and dem kind of thing deh. I want you to read your book, move up in life an carry her," he said.
The judge stressed that education, not fighting, was the key to a better future. "If you doubt me, turn around and look in there," Judge Wilson said, pointing to the court cells where detainees were being held. "They didn't listen to Mommy." Wilson also urged Williams to participate to make mediation successful.
The matter is to return to court on November 26.
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