KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Trench Town man has been fined $50,000 after pleading guilty to two counts of malicious destruction of property in connection with an incident on May 17, 2025.

The accused, 26-year-old Almarteno Creary, appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, where he admitted to damaging two mobile phones belonging to the mother of his child.

According to the allegations, Creary went to the complainant’s residence on May 17 and, upon receiving no response when he knocked at the front grill, went around the side of the house, removed the window blades, and entered through the window. He then reportedly grabbed the complainant’s mobile phone and smashed it against the wall.

“I knock the grill outside, she deh in there and nah answer. Me go round the next side and pull the window and go through the window,” Creary admitted in court before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell.

On a separate occasion, Creary allegedly saw the complainant using her child’s mobile phone. He reportedly took the phone from her and smashed it as well.

“Me tell her say the reason why me mash up the phone because she got a problem with me and woman so me say alright since as you take me phone and delete the numbers out of it, all phone a mash up and me ago buy back fresh,” Creary said in his defence.

He expressed a desire to repair the relationship, however, the complainant firmly stated that she is no longer interested, citing his obsessive behaviour.

“You have to leave her alone now, what you have to do is take care of your child. There is no tree growing in your face so I suspect you may be able to find another girlfriend. This one doesn’t want you anymore. Do not let her take you to family court. Ensure that you are supporting your child,” Burrell advised.

Creary pleaded guilty to both charges. The combined value of the damaged phones is reportedly $50,000. He paid $20,000 towards the fine on Tuesday, with the remaining $30,000 due on July 15, 2025.

His bail was also extended with sentencing also scheduled for July 15, 2025.

— Vanassa McKenzie