MONTEGO BAY, St James — A St James man accused of striking another with a crowbar during a heated property dispute will return to court on July 31 for a case management hearing.

Delroy Samuels, who is charged with unlawful wounding, made a brief appearance before Parish Court judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton on Wednesday.

While the case file is reportedly complete, the court stopped short of setting a trial date after Samuels’ attorney, Michael Hemmings, requested more time to address certain undisclosed matters.

According to court records, the incident occurred about 10:59 am in Coral Gardens, Montego Bay, St James, on April 15. The complainant had engaged a third party to construct a perimeter wall. Samuels allegedly volunteered to handle the column work but was turned down. He is said to have then entered the complainant’s property and began removing plyboards.

The complainant objected and asked him to leave, triggering a confrontation. It was during this clash that Samuels allegedly struck the man with a crowbar, causing injury.

The police were summoned, and Samuels was arrested and charged. While being cautioned he reportedly told the police, “Offica, mi nuh do nothing wrong… When mi flash mi hand, the crowbar catch him.”

At a previous court appearance Hemmings indicated that while his client strongly denies the allegations, he was willing to pursue mediation. However, no resolution was reached during the mediation process.

Judge Fairclough-Hylton extended Samuels’ bail and scheduled the next hearing for case management, during which the path forward will be determined.