MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Tristan Giallani, an American accused of punching a nurse in the mouth, injuring her lip, was spared jail time and a fine when he appeared in the St James Parish Court on Thursday.

The 50-year-old Miami Beach, Florida, resident, who was represented by attorney-at-law Sherneika Jackson, was facing a charge of unlawful wounding.

An initial psychiatric report indicated that Giallani was unfit to enter a plea. However, on Thursday, the court was told of a more recent report that indicated he was, in fact, competent. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was admonished and discharged.

“I hope that the consulate will do what they need to do in order for him to go back home and get the treatment he needs,” presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley said before Giallani was whisked away to the holding area.

Giallani’s arrest stemmed from an incident last December when he was seen behaving boisterously at the Sangster International Airport, even tearing up his passport.

Because of his conduct, the police deemed it necessary to take him to Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), where he was admitted as a patient. On December 13, Giallani allegedly punched a CRH nurse in the face, causing a wound to her upper lip and excruciating pain.

The nurse visited the Mount Salem Police Station about 9:00 am that day and a statement was taken from her.

The investigating officer went to the CRH around 3:30 pm and Giallani was pointed out to him. Informed of the offence, Giallani stated that they were the ones beating him. When asked for his full name, he reportedly said, “I am going to talk to my consulate”.

The doctor on duty informed the officer that the defendant would be released from hospital, and he was taken to the Mount Salem police station.

The defendant refused to identify himself to the officer at the station and had no identification on him, but was identified as Tristan Giallani based on hospital records.

Following checks at the American consulate, his identity was confirmed.

Giallani was subsequently charged for unlawful wounding and, when cautioned, he reportedly said, “I will only speak to someone from the American consulate.”

He was escorted to the Barnett Street Police Station and placed in the lock-up.

With his court case concluded, Giallani remains in custody while the consulate arranges for him to be flown out of the country.