KINGSTON, Jamaica – After claiming that twin sisters from her community had viciously stabbed her all over her body, including in her left ear, a woman is demanding that she be compensated in the sum of $1 million.

The Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court heard on Tuesday that the accused women, Ashanti and Ashantae Nicolas, allegedly stabbed the complainant in her left ear, chest, side, and thighs. The complainant claims these injuries have caused her emotional and physical distress, including gradual hearing loss in the affected ear.

During the proceedings, Ashanti pleaded guilty to the offence of unlawful assault, while her sister pleaded not guilty. However, their defence attorney, Davion Vassal, expressed shock and displeasure that the pleas were registered without his presence.

Noting his expression, presiding judge, Lori-Ann Cole-Montague asked those present in court if they believed the pleas were coerced, to which the crowd said “No!”

Additionally, the complainant revealed that she was threatened by Ashanti shortly after the stabbing incident was reported to the police.

She said Ashanti vowed that “dem must kill me.”

She added that after Ashanti made the threat, a man known to both of them heard and intervened, resulting in the woman being “kicked out” by the man. The complainant said that Ahsantae then heard about that incident and ran to the street where it occurred. She allegedly grabbed a bottle, broke it and used it to cut own her hand.

However, the defence attorney denied that Ashantae had wounded herself and suggested there should be a cross-case with the complainant due to the alleged harm inflicted on his client.

The investigating officer (IO) stated that the police’s extensive investigation did not show evidence of the complainant harming the sisters.

As Vassal began to object to the IO’s claims, Cole-Montague said, “I don’t know what kind of investigation and I am not doing an inquiry. I am just a humble judge.”

Explaining further, the IO said over 15 people were interviewed and even video footage was obtained that showed the assault, but nothing indicated the complainant had harmed the sisters.

The complainant expressed her intention to undergo plastic surgery for her scars and further treatment for her ear. She also mentioned facing disapproval from individuals in the community for taking the matter to court.

She said one community member inquired as to why she was carrying the “don daughter a court.”

According to the complainant, this alleged “don” is now dead.

Considering the complainant’s requested amount, the defence attorney remarked, “She has stated a formidable amount,” and requested a medical report confirming the extent of her hearing loss, which the judge granted.

Fingerprint orders were made for the Nicolas sisters, and their bails were extended until March 7, when it is expected that the outstanding medical report will be available. The matter is anticipated to go to trial as the parties are unable to reach an agreement on the amount to be paid.