KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man accused of hitting his child’s mother was referred to the probation services for counselling when he returned to the Half-Way Tree Parish Court on Tuesday.

The case was referred there following a failed mediation attempt due to the complainant’s absences.

The complainant told the court, however, that she and the accused, Patrick Ross, have since spoken and he apologised for his actions. She went on to request to have the matter dropped.

Senior Parish Court Judge Sanchia Burrell inquired of the complainant whether the incident was the first time the accused had laid hands on her, to which the complainant said no.

“Why unuh always come beg for them when it is not the first time it happen?” Judge Burrell questioned, before asking the complainant to recount what happened when the accused had hit her.

“I was pregnant with my last child by another man your honour and he pushed me,” the complainant said.

The complainant went on to request that Ross, who is facing charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, receive counselling.

Ross agreed to the measure and his case was referred to probation services.

He is to return to court on July 30. His bail was also extended.