KINGSTON Jamaica — A married couple before the court for a domestic dispute and two women charged with assault and unlawful wounding were hailed as restorative justice success stories when they appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

In the first matter, Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell expressed pleasure at the married couple identified as the Dennis’.

Mr Dennis had previously been booked for charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and unlawful wounding in regards to his wife.

When they appeared in court, the husband indicated he “would never” resort to such behaviour again while Mrs Dennis praised the restorative justice coach who she indicated had gone above and beyond to assist them in conflict resolution.

“Thanks for making the system work. Do not come back here,” Judge Burrell warned.

Similarly, Shanice Hinds and Khaleah Forbes were able to make amends after a tussle landed them before the judge in a cross-case. Hinds was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm while Forbes was charged with unlawful wounding.

When asked what she had learned from restorative justice, Forbes indicated to the judge in a clear voice, “That the issue could have been resolved better through communication.”

A comparable response was given by Hinds and the women were able to exchange an agreed upon sum before leaving the courtroom.

Judge Burrell commended them for setting a good example.

All accused were freed by the court on account of completing their restorative justice process successfully.

— Dana Malcolm