MONTEGO BAY, St James — A man who allegedly struck his stepdaughter on the head with a pot, leaving her with a wound that required stitches, is now preparing for trial after attempts at mediation failed.

Melbourne Forrester appeared in the St James Parish Court before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, charged with unlawful wounding.

Judge Fairclough-Hylton had referred the case to mediation and restorative justice in hopes of resolving the matter without a trial. But during Wednesday’s sitting, the court was told that the attempt to come to a resolution through both forums has failed.

The court clerk also disclosed that the medical certificate necessary for trial is still outstanding. As a result, the judge scheduled a case management hearing for October 16 and extended Forrester’s bail.

Court reports say the trouble began at Forrester’s home when a heated argument with his stepdaughter escalated. Forrester allegedly brandished a knife, warning, “Mi will stab yuh,” before throwing several pots — one striking his stepdaughter’s head.

The clash reportedly continued after she sought medical attention, with Forrester allegedly threatening to “cut off her head” and hurling stones, causing further injury. A neighbour, disturbed by the commotion, called police who arrested Forrester.

The St James Parish Court was also filled with tension on Wednesday as Angella Reid, Oshane McIntosh, and Ann Lawrence appeared in a complex cross case that mediation could not resolve. Reid was represented by attorney-at-law Charles Sinclair, while McIntosh and Lawrence appeared unrepresented.

Reid is charged with unlawful wounding against McIntosh, while McIntosh and Lawrence face a charge of assault occasioning bodily harm against Reid.

The allegations against Reid are that on August 6 around 11:50 am, McIntosh was at home when an argument erupted between the two. Reid then left the yard and went on the road. While driving, McIntosh saw her carrying a broken bottle. He stopped his vehicle and attempted to calm the situation, but Reid allegedly raised the bottle towards him, causing a cut on his hand when he blocked it.

The allegations against McIntosh and Lawrence are that, on the same day Reid was walking along Pigott Street in Mount Salem when she was allegedly attacked by McIntosh, who is her nephew, and Lawrence, who is his mother. McIntosh allegedly used his vehicle to strike Reid’s knee, and when both exited the car he allegedly punched her in the face.

The matter was reported to the police, resulting in the arrest and charging of all three individuals.

The court suggested mediation, and the parties attended a session in an attempt to resolve the dispute. However, they were unable to reach an agreement.

With mediation failing, the case is now being prepared for trial. Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton scheduled the next mention date for October 28 and extended the defendants’ bail.