A St James man accused of wielding a knife and threatening to stab a motorist was freed when he appeared in the parish court on Wednesday.

Patrick Hemmings was charged after it was reported that he issued the threat when his offer to clean the motorist’s windshield was refused.

“You’ve never done this, sir? presiding Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce enquired after Hemmings’ not guilty plea.

“Mi neva pull any knife,” Hemmings replied.

“What did you do?” the judge queried.

“Him a talk and me a talk,” said Hemmings.

“Suppose I tell you that you are free today, would you be good with that or you prefer down by the jail?” Grant-Pryce asked Hemmings.

“I prefer to be free, Your Honour,” Hemmings replied.

At that point, the judge had dialogue with the court clerk regarding a social enquiry report that showed that Hemmings was able to understand guilt and innocence despite having a mild, permanent disability.

“I have accepted your plea of not guilty Mr Hemmings… No evidence is offered against you, you are free to go,” the judge ruled before allowing the defendant to leave.

According to court documents, on October 7, 2024 the male complainant was travelling in his motor car in the vicinity of Baywest Shopping Centre in Montego Bay. Hemmings approached his vehicle and offered to wipe his windshield. The complainant refused and Hemmings allegedly pulled a 12-inch knife from his waist and threatened to stab him.

The matter was reported to the police and Hemmings was arrested and charged.

Hemmings has a history of court appearances, including a recent incident in which he was fined $40,000 for an unspecified offence.