MONTEGO BAY, St James — The owner of a rehabilitation centre has been accused of inflicting electrical shocks and beatings with a metal club to a male resident in his care.

According to court documents, the beaten man is a resident of Trendy Rehabilitation Centre located in Lilliput, St James. The centre is owned and operated by Nizam Thomas.

Charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, Thomas made his first appearance in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

Allegations are that at some point in October, Thomas used an extension cord with exposed wires to administer multiple shocks to the complainant’s chest as a form of punishment for smoking.

It is also alleged that after the complainant ate a pack of peanuts that was inside Thomas’ car, Thomas beat him with a metal club.

The court was also told that if the complainant was caught stealing or smoking, Thomas would rip his clothes off and subject him to additional punishment.

The prosecution painted the picture of a history of abuse that the complainant suffered at Thomas’ hands during the time he lived at the centre.

The complainant’s mother called the police after she visited her son at the centre and noticed injuries on his feet. The authorities were notified and this ultimately led to charges being brought against Thomas.

After the allegations were outlined in court on Wednesday, attorney-at-law Martyn Thomas pointed out that his client has occasionally filed reports against the complainant.

“He has his receipts from the police to substantiate this. While he is not interested in pursuing them, he is anxious to have a trial date,” stated the lawyer.

The attorney also made the point that the defence has available 18 witnesses who usually share quarters at both locations and have been there daily for many years, closely observing day-to-day operations and activities.

After being informed that the case file was complete, presiding judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton scheduled the trial for January 20, 2025 and extended bail for Thomas.