A woman and her niece found themselves before the St James Parish Court following a confrontation at their house over unwashed dishes in the kitchen.

Winsome McKenzie is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm to her niece Shanay Blake, who is charged with malicious destruction of property.

According to court records, Blake, a Canadian citizen, was in the island on vacation at her aunt’s house.

It is alleged that on December 2, 2024, about 6:00 pm, McKenzie left work and on arriving at her house in Bueno Vista, St James, found unwashed dishes in the kitchen sink and on the counter.

McKenzie reportedly knocked on Blake’s room door and threw a plate on the bed, resulting in a heated exchange.

The altercation escalated when Blake confronted McKenzie, who allegedly hit her with a mop stick and pushed her outside.

According to McKenzie, she later heard the sound of shattering glass and subsequently discovered that one of the windows of her car had been broken. Blake is also been accused of damaging three floorboards, and a toilet seat.

Blake alleged that McKenzie entered her room with a plate and threw it at her, hitting her on the left side of her head, causing pain and swelling, and then hit her on the left arm with a mop stick.

Following the outline of the allegations parish judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce asked the two women if they wanted to try mediation as she emphasised the benefits of going this route instead of a trial.

The case was temporarily adjourned so that the parties could participate in mediation with a mediator who was in court.

Moments later, the court clerk stated that McKenzie requested $150,000 in compensation, while Blake requested CAD$2,300.95 (approximately $300,000). Blake indicated that she had to seek medical attention when she went back to Canada, which is why she claimed that amount.

“If the matter is not resolved by mediation and we have to set the matter for trial then I might have to take away your passport,” the judge told Blake.

Blake then informed the judge that upon her return to Jamaica she stayed in a hotel and experienced the misfortune of her passport being stolen.

“If the matters cannot be resolved by mediation, they will have to be tried and somebody will be going to prison,” the judge emphasised.

The judge also informed Blake that the amount she is seeking in compensation would not be awarded if the case went to trial, but she could potentially sue McKenzie.

Blake then requested further mediation, and the case was set for mention on February 20, with both women’s bails extended.

“In the event that these matters are not resolved by the 20th of February, these matters will be set for trial,” Grant-Pryce said before allowing the pair to leave.

The judge also cautioned Blake that in the event her passport could not be located, she would be remanded in custody when she returned to court.