MONTEGO BAY, St James — The St James Parish Court last Wednesday heard differing accounts of a confrontation at a Montego Bay business establishment which left two men facing assault charges as a result.

Delon Morrison and Jermaine Johnson appeared before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton to answer to the charges.

Johnson was unrepresented, while attorney-at-law Chrishana Fregenette appeared amicus curiae (a friend of the court) on behalf of Morrison.

The court heard that about 2:00 pm on March 27 Morrison, a security guard who was on duty at the business establishment, received information that Johnson, who had been banned from the property, was seen there.

It is alleged that, based on the information, Morrison asked Johnson to leave. An argument ensued during which Johnson reportedly assaulted Morrison. It is further alleged that Johnson used a stone to strike Morrison, with both men falling to the ground and sustaining injuries.

In the case against Morrison it is alleged that he approached Johnson and told him that, based on instructions from the owner, he was not permitted to be on the property. Johnson allegedly refused to leave, after which Morrison assaulted him, resulting in injuries to Johnson’s head, ears, and ribs.

When given an opportunity to respond Johnson denied the allegations and gave his version of the incident while indicating to the court that video footage exists of the clash.

Fregenette told the court she had received the footage and submitted it to Morrison, who was acting on instructions from his supervisor in his effort to evict Johnson when he was attacked. The attorney further indicated that she was aware that Morrison has another matter before the court.

Fairclough-Hylton stated that she had not seen the video but noted that Morrison was alleged to have committed the offence while on bail in another matter.

“As a security officer, please tell me the extent of their powers as it relates to the use of force,” the judge asked Fregenette.

“Based on what I have seen, Mr Johnson attacked my client and he had to defend himself,” the lawyer replied.

The judge made it clear that she was not accepting either version at that stage and pointed out her concern that Morrison allegedly committed the offence while on bail for another matter. She indicated that she was not minded to grant him bail.

Fregenette indicated that she understood the judge’s position but submitted that Morrison was facing mere allegations and that, based on instructions and what she had seen, her client had not committed an offence.

Meanwhile, the court clerk advised that medical certificates for both defendants were still outstanding.

The matter was set for mention on May 4, with Johnson’s bail extended while Morrison was remanded in custody.