ST JAMES, Jamaica – The mediation unit has requested more time to conduct sessions in the case of Councillor David Brown who is accused of assaulting a woman he was in a relationship with at the time.

This extension will allow both parties to thoroughly explore and address the underlying issues, allowing for a fair and comprehensive resolution.

Brown represents the Montego Bay West Division in the St James Municipal Corporation. He was elected on a Jamaica Labour Party ticket.

On the last court date, Brown moved to hire a lawyer. However, when the case was heard in the St James Parish Court on Tuesday, it was revealed that he is now represented by attorney-at-law Albert Morgan.

During a court appearance in July, the complainant’s attorney Martyn Thomas asked for the matter to be referred to restorative justice so that the parties could work out their differences. However, the court was informed on Tuesday that the mediation unit stated that more time is required as they are still trying to resolve their issues.

Presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley then scheduled a new mention date and extended Brown’s bail.

“Mr Brown, your bail is extended until December 14… Hopefully, we’ll have some concrete words whether mediation is successful, and if not, we go to the next step,” the judge said before allowing Brown to leave the courtroom.

According to the prosecution’s case, on May 28, the female complainant, with whom Brown had a relationship, was sitting in her car when he knocked on the vehicle’s window.

The two reportedly got into a dispute during which Brown allegedly hit the complainant in her face, causing pain and swelling.

READ: Councillor David Brown seeks lawyer after mediation fails in assault case

This is not the first time that Brown has had legal challenges.

In August 2018, he allegedly struck a 65-year-old man with his licenced firearm. Brown was detained by police for five days before being released. This came after he received harsh criticism in March for allegedly verbally abusing a woman on social media.