ST JAMES, Jamaica – A dispute between two women escalated into physical violence, resulting in one of them being injured and the other intentionally damaging the other’s belongings.

Abi-Gayle Shakes appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, accused of unlawfully wounding Melisha Burth. Burth is accused of malicious destruction of Shakes’ property.

According to the allegations, an argument developed between the two women on July 9 about 5:00 pm, in Flanker in the parish. Burth reportedly used a machete to break a door in the passage and also damage a television set.

Meanwhile, Shakes is accused of using a broken bottle to stab Burth on the left and right side of her face and over her eyes.

“So, what happened to these young ladies? Why did they decide to create World War III in their community?” presiding judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce asked after the allegations were read.

“Your Honour, we had a little argument over what she heard, in which they were telling her lies,” Burth explained to the judge.

She went on to say that she asked Shakes why she didn’t ask her about what she heard, which sparked an argument.

Judge Grant-Pryce intervened at that point, telling her that her explanation appeared to be lengthy and that there wasn’t enough time.

She then instructed the parties to visit the restorative justice unit to try and resolve their issues before setting the case for mention on October 2.

Their bails were extended.