MONTEGO BAY, St James — A late-night dispute between neighbours in Long Bay, St James, which escalated into a machete-wielding confrontation, has ended quietly in the St James Parish Court after the complainant chose not to pursue the matter.

When the case was called up on Wednesday before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton the court was told that the complainant was no longer interested in continuing the case. In light of that development the prosecution offered no evidence, resulting in the defendant, George Wilson, being formally discharged of the assault charge.

The matter had previously come before the court on several mention dates, during which procedural steps were addressed, before it was ultimately resolved.

The incident in question allegedly occurred on December 2, 2025, about 10:00 pm, at Wilson’s home in Long Bay.

According to reports presented to the court, the complainant was at the premises when an argument developed. The dispute allegedly began after Wilson accused the man of carrying news to his wife, a claim that quickly heightened tensions between the two.

Wilson reportedly ordered the complainant to leave the premises but the situation escalated into a physical confrontation involving pushing.

The altercation then took a more dangerous turn when Wilson allegedly armed himself with a machete. In response, the complainant also reportedly grabbed a machete in what was described as an act of self-defence. During the confrontation Wilson is said to have struck the complainant to the back of the head.

Both men were subsequently taken into police custody and an official report was filed, leading to Wilson being charged in connection with the incident.