KINGSTON, Jamaica— A man was ordered to pay $40,000 in restitution to his cousin after his unlawful wounding case was referred for mediation during proceedings at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

Tarik Smith is facing charges after he allegedly chopped his female cousin on her finger during a family dispute on July 12, 2024.

During court, the complainant told Senior Parish Judge Paula Blake-Powell that she would be willing to have the case referred for mediation. The accused agreed and the matter was stood down while a counsellor who was present in court took the cousins outside to speak.

When the matter was recalled on Tuesday, both parties agreed that mediation was successful and that they had agreed on a sum that Smith would pay.

Judge Blake-Powell then ordered that Smith would make payment beginning August 2 until August 30, 2024.

The cousins are expected to return to court on September 9 to confirm payments were made.

Smith’s bail was extended.