MONTEGO BAY, St James — A St James mother, accused of leaving her two young children alone at home — a decision that reportedly led to a fire which destroyed their house — has been granted bail.

Jodian Johnson, a 41-year-old waitress, appeared before the St James Parish Court on Monday charged with child neglect in connection with the incident.

The case stems from a devastating event that occurred on August 18, when Johnson allegedly left her children, ages three and six, at home unsupervised for several hours. During her absence — reportedly between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm — the children are said to have found a lighter and begun playing with it. What began as innocent curiosity quickly spiralled into disaster, as a fire broke out and engulfed the family home.

Thankfully, both children escaped physical harm. Following the incident, investigating officers acted swiftly, placing the siblings into the care of their grandmother.

Johnson, now at the centre of a legal and emotional storm, stood quietly in court as her attorney, Henry McCurdy, applied for bail on her behalf. After reviewing the circumstances, Judge Diahann Bernard approved the application, granting Johnson bail in the amount of $300,000 with up to two sureties.

As part of her bail conditions, Johnson must report regularly to a designated police station on assigned days. The court was also informed that the Child Protection and Family Services Agency has become involved in the matter; however, the children remain in the care of their grandmother.

Johnson is expected to return to court on October 16 when the matter will next be heard.