MONTEGO BAY, St James — What could have spiralled into a prolonged court battle was instead resolved through mediation on Wednesday, when 26-year-old Roshaine Johnson walked out of the St James Parish Court a free man.

Johnson had been charged with malicious destruction of property, stemming from an incident on July 26 in the rural community of Salters Hill, St James.

According to court documents, Johnson went to the complainant’s home where an argument developed. In the heat of the confrontation, he allegedly hurled stones, one of which shattered a window belonging to the complainant.

The matter was subsequently brought before the parish court where, instead of proceeding to trial, the case was referred to mediation — a dispute resolution process that allows both parties to sit together and reach common ground with the assistance of a neutral facilitator.

When the matter was recalled on Wednesday, the prosecution, noted the amicable resolution and offered no evidence against Johnson. Parish Judge Diahann Bernard then formally discharged him, bringing the case to a close.

The use of mediation in parish courts has been lauded by judicial officials and community leaders as an effective way of addressing minor disputes while easing the burden on the court system.