MONTEGO BY, St James — Despite a long-winded presentation, a man accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend was ordered to pay a $20,000 fine when he appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

The man, St James resident Kenroy Thompson, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm before presiding Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce.

According to court documents, on August 22, 2023 the couple was embroiled in a dispute, during which Thompson allegedly struck the woman repeatedly in the face, resulting in bruising, pain and swelling.

During court proceedings on Wednesday, the complainant stated that she was no longer in a relationship with Thompson and had no plans to pursue mediation. She made it clear that she preferred to go through the legal process instead of seeking mediation to resolve the issue.

When Thompson was given the opportunity to share his side of the story, he delivered a lengthy and elaborate speech, going beyond the main topic to mention details about mackerel and roasted breadfruit.

His speech was so detailed that an attorney had to intervene and caution him about speaking excessively, and provide him with legal guidance to help him navigate the situation.

“Mr Thompson, you pleaded guilty; you’re supposed to be telling me why I should not be sending you to prison and why you committed this offence. I have a full court this morning and I cannot hear about roasting of breadfruit and mackerel. You have another minute to wrap up,” Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce told the accused man.

Thompson then apologised for his actions and said that he allowed his emotions to get the better of him.

He also told the court that his behaviour was out of character, and that he had never before resorted to physical violence against a woman.

“Even though I may not be sending you to prison on this occasion because the mitigating factors outweigh the aggravating circumstances in this matter, there are repercussions…I will have to take your fingerprints this morning because it’s a fingerprintable offence,” the judge told him after he concluded his speech.

Grant-Pryce then ordered Thompson to pay a fine of $20,000 or spend 30 days in jail.