KINGSTON, Jamaica — A courtroom at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court was evacuated on Tuesday after a man brought a bag containing a machete and a baton, which he claimed to be “evidence” for his hearing for an assault charge.

The man, Richard Notice, 37, was before the court on a charge of assault occasioning bodily harm following an altercation involving a 15-year-old boy.

The court heard that the incident stemmed from a community football match. The boy, after receiving a yellow card, began quarrelling with other players. Notice claimed that he intervened to get the boy off the field, but the situation escalated and became physical. During the interaction, he reportedly made explicit remarks to the boy which he returned.

The boy then ran off, reportedly shouting at Notice to “stay right there”.

Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell remarked that many cases before the court stem from people not knowing when to hold their tongue.

“Everybody in Jamaica knows those are fighting words,” she said, referring to the curse words used by Notice.

The complainant’s mother told the court that this was not the first time Notice had behaved inappropriately, but said many in the community were too afraid to report him.

In his defence, Notice claimed that the boy had returned with a cutlass and a baton. He then pointed to a grey cross-body bag he had brought into the courtroom.

Judge Burrell asked if he had brought weapons into the courtroom. Notice responded that he had, saying they were “evidence”.

An officer then retrieved the bag, taking it to Judge Burrell, who questioned who gave Notice permission to bring a weapon inside the court. Notice informed the judge that he had told an officer it was evidence and was allowed entry.

Judge Burrell opened the bag, examined the contents and then sanitised her hands. She expressed concern, especially given that lawyers often sit with their backs to the prisoners’ dock.

Burrell then stood the matter down and left the courtroom.

The room was filled with murmurs questioning how such an incident could happen. Shortly after, a female officer entered and instructed everyone to evacuate. A sweep of the courtroom was conducted, and within minutes, the room was filled again.

When Judge Burrell returned, she addressed Notice, stating that while what he did was not permitted, she understood that he may not have known the rules.

In regard to the matter before the court, Judge Burrell urged both parties to consider restorative justice, noting that community members must learn to live together peacefully. She emphasised that adults cannot discipline children unless it is sanctioned by the parent.

The matter was referred to restorative justice, with both parties scheduled to return to court on November 6.

As Notice exited, Judge Burrell lightly asked, “Is the bag empty now?”

“Yes, your Honour,” he replied.

— Carlysia Ramdeen