MONTEGO BAY, St James — A tense altercation that turned violent in the community of Awful Gully in Bickersteth, St James, has left the courts trying to untangle different versions of the event being given by three individuals facing charges.

The incident occurred on December 30, 2025, about 7:15 am. The matter was before parish court judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton last Wednesday.

The allegations are that Kenry Barrett was on the road speaking with a friend when he encountered Rushane Miller, who allegedly said to him, “Don’t look at me.” The situation quickly escalated when Miller advanced with a machete and, before he got too close to Barrett, threw a stone that struck the man. Miller then used the machete to chop Barrett on the back of his left hand. Miller dropped the weapon, which Barrett picked up, the court was told.

Prosecutors further alleged that Sue-Ann Hibbert, Miller’s spouse, used another machete to chop Barrett on his right elbow and shoulder, causing open wounds.

The violence reportedly continued when four individuals surrounded Barrett and pelted him with stones. Barrett fled the scene and reported the matter to the police, which led to the arrest of the couple.

Under caution, Miller reportedly said, “Bossy, mi neva go near him; a him fling stone at mi first and mi fling back after him, den him run down pon mi and chop mi inna mi face.”

Hibbert is alleged to have responded, “Him done tell yuh seh mi dweet, but mi nuh chop him.”

During last week’s court proceedings, Judge Fairclough-Hylton asked Miller if he suffered a facial cut, to which he answered yes and pointed to the injured area.

The court clerk later outlined allegations against Barrett, stating that on the same day, Barrett was passing Miller’s home when an argument developed. Barrett allegedly threw a building block at Miller, triggering an altercation during which Miller was chopped on the back and left side of his face. Hibbert, attempting to defend Miller, reportedly sustained a chop wound to her hand.

Following the incident, police intervened and charged Barrett with two counts of unlawful wounding, while Miller and Hibbert were charged with unlawful wounding and stone throwing.

The court also heard that the medical certificate submitted in Barrett’s case was not in the correct form, while the medical certificates for Hibbert and Miller remain outstanding.

The matter was scheduled for mention on April 1, and the trio’s bail was extended.