MONTEGO BAY, St James — Chardo Allen was sentenced to 40 hours of community service by parish judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, bringing to close a dispute that erupted over a request for a single drink of rum and a chaser, popularly called “a special”.

The 32-year-old Allen was charged with malicious destruction of property and unlawful wounding following an incident on April 18 at the complainant’s shop.

Allen had gone to the shop where he reportedly ordered a special but he was refused service by the complainant’s wife due to a previous disagreement over price.

The dispute escalated when the complainant intervened, and Allen allegedly responded by throwing stones at him.

During the altercation a beer bottle, being held by the complainant was shattered, causing a cut to his knee. Allen also allegedly damaged one of the shop’s windows valued at approximately $3,000.

The incident was reported to the police and Allen was arrested and charged.

When he appeared in court Allen claimed he acted in response to verbal abuse and disrespect, and alleged that the complainant had thrown stones at him first.

But that did not sway the judge who found him guilty but did not impose a custodial sentence.