KINGSTON, Jamaica- A man was given a suspended sentence after paying $300,000 in restitution on Tuesday on an unlawful wounding charge.

Andwalie Campbell, who pleaded guilty to the offence back in October, was accused of stabbing the complainant on September 29, 2022 during a dispute they had over stolen water from the complainant’s property.

Campbell had spent five months in jail.

Campbell was sentenced to eight months in prison at hard labour, suspended for 18 months with supervision by presiding judge at the Kingston and St Andrew Paris Court, Lori-Ann Cole-Montague.

Before his sentence was handed, Campbell’s attorney informed the court that his client is very remorseful and has no previous convictions.

He added that the social inquiry report that was presented to the judge is “a good report.”

However, the complainant, in the social inquiry report, expressed concerns with Campbell being in the same vicinity. However the court was told that Campbell’s family has given their assurance that he will not remain in that community.

During the proceedings, Campbell’s nieces were applauded for their efforts in raising the $300,000 for their uncle, which placed him in a favourable position when his attorney was discussing the mitigating factors in the matter. The money was handed over to the complainant on Tuesday.

His nieces, ages 18 and 23, could not hold back their tears when they saw him standing in the prisoner’s dock.

“From the reaction you can see that he is missed,” the attorney said.

“That’s tremendous. It means that he’s a good uncle,” the judge said.

“Yes, he is,” the older niece responded.

Turning to Campbell, Cole-Montague said, “Mr Campbell, you are before me to be sentenced for what can be classified as a serious offence. I note from the social inquiry report that you did not have any intention to cause him serious harm. But I also want you to realise that based on what was done, perhaps if it had gone deeper… the charge would have been a much more serious one.”

“You have spent five months in custody, which I think should have been sufficient for you to not only see, but fully appreciate the seriousness of the offence… I’m giving you a chance,” the judge added. “Never find yourself in the position you were in the last five months.”

She went on to explain that this sentence is one that will allow him to go home, however, if he were to commit another offence during the 18 month-period he will be required to serve the time for that offence, as well as this offence.