ST JAMES, Jamaica – A chef was granted bail by the St James Parish Court on Wednesday after attacking and chopping another in downtown Montego Bay, nearly severing the victim’s thumb.

Asa Grant, 41, from Rose Mount Meadows, appeared in court on the charge of unlawful wounding.

It is alleged that on April 21, Grant attacked the complainant and chopped him on his head, hands, and back, almost cutting off the complainant’s thumb.

The police were called, and under caution, Grant reportedly said, “Officer, it is a mistake, I will pay for his medical bills, Jah know mi shouldn’t come here.”

He was arrested and charged.

During the court proceedings, the accused, who was wearing a sling to support his arm, told presiding judge, Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley, that he was attacked while on his way home.

“I used to cut his hair, and I was standing at Burger King (in downtown Montego Bay), on my way home and he just came and turned me around and started to chop me,” the complainant explained.

It was also disclosed that the complainant will need to do surgery on his injured thumb.

In the meantime, an observation made by Grant’s attorney, Charles Sinclair, was that Grant readily presented himself at the police station when he was summoned there following the incident.

“When my client was asked to attend at the police station, he went there. I believe this is a matter that can be resolved elsewhere from court,” said Sinclair.

Judge Smith-Ashley granted Grant bail in the amount of $300,000, provided that two individuals act as sureties.

Additionally, the judge mandated that both Grant and the complainant participate in restorative justice sessions as a means of resolving their disputes.

The case was subsequently set for mention on July 11.