Man accused of beating mother of his child at clinic
ST JAMES, Jamaica – A man, who is accused of beating the mother of his child at a medical facility in St James, was dragged before the Parish Court on Wednesday.
The defendant has been scheduled to reappear in court on May 18, where the complainant is expected to be present, in order to facilitate further determination of the matter.
Stephen Clarke, who is facing charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and unlawful wounding, had his bail extended when he appeared in court on Wednesday.
The allegations are that on March 9, the complainant took the couple’s child to a medical appointment at a clinic in Montego Bay and was about to leave when Clarke accosted her.
When the complainant saw Clarke, she reportedly tried to run back into the clinic, but he grabbed her and asked, “Why are you making a man hold my child?” before allegedly punching her in the face and tripping her to the ground, causing her to cut her knee.
Clarke then allegedly continued punching the woman before other persons intervened.
The police were summoned, and under caution Clarke reportedly said, “A long time thing this, can’t talk to her.” He was arrested and charged.
During the proceedings, presiding parish judge, Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley, made an order requesting that the prosecution contact the complainant, who was not present, in order to ascertain the appropriate measures to be taken in advancing the case.
The judge also vacated an order for a warrant which had previously been issued for Clarke’s arrest due to his failure to appear on a previous court date.
“The complainant should be here so we can decide the way forward. The complainant is to be contacted to attend court,” Judge Smith-Ashley said as she scheduled the case for May 18.