MONTEGO BAY, St James — A man accused of assaulting his girlfriend after she failed to wish him a happy birthday appeared before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

According to court documents, about 9:00 pm on May 30, the complainant was asleep at her home in Mount Salem, St James, when Barrington Brown entered the house and confronted her about the missed birthday greeting.

The allegations are that when she refused to respond, Brown’s frustration turned to violence, and he struck her repeatedly across her body. The woman is said to have suffered bruises to her head, shoulder, and face, including a swollen cheek.

The alleged assault was reported to the police, leading to Brown’s arrest and subsequent charge.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the court was informed that the arresting officer’s statement was still outstanding, though the medical certificate confirming the injuries was already on file.

Presiding Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton adjourned the case for mention on July 30 and extended Brown’s bail.