A 20-year-old mother of two broke down in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, after she recalled when her husband punched her in the face following an argument over food for the children.

The woman, whose identity is being withheld, unable to hold back her tears, said her estranged husband would “beat” her in front of her children.

The allegations are that on October 25 an argument broke out between the complainant and Chrishane Christie over food for the children to eat. The court was told that during the argument, Christie punched her in her head and face. He was later charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Despite pleading not guilty to the charge, Christie agreed to pay $40,000 in restitution for the physical and emotional injuries the complainant suffered.

“Madam complaint, I understand that this must be very emotional for you. He has agreed to pay you $40,000, is that alright for you?” Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague asked, to which the woman answered “Yes, Your Honour.”

Describing the relationship as very abusive, Christie’s attorney told the court that when she spoke to her client at the police station following his arrest, he had “gash on his head” and bruises on his side, which she said was as a result of the fight between the two.

Speaking on the abusive nature of their relationship, the complainant told the judge that during the altercation she threw hot water on him. Fighting back tears, she added that he “beats me like a man.”

Both parties are to return to court on November 28, for restitution to be made.