MONTEGO BAY, St James — A matter that returned before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday concluded swiftly, after the complainant signalled she no longer wished to proceed, bringing the proceedings to an immediate close.

The case, heard before Parish Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, involved Jermaine Bent, who was again before the court in relation to allegations arising from a December 17, 2025 incident at Montego Bay Freezone.

The court was informed that the complainant — Bent’s girlfriend and the alleged victim in the matter — has withdrawn her interest in continuing the complaint. With that position formally placed on record, the prosecution offered no evidence against the defendant. As a result, Bent was discharged.

It is alleged that Bent approached the complainant — who was on a phone call while on duty at the Freezone about 9:00 am on the day in question — took her phone, and refused to return it. Reports are that he subsequently locked himself inside a room with the device, prompting the complainant to follow in an effort to retrieve her property.

It was further alleged that the situation escalated inside the room, during which the complainant was struck in the mouth and sustained pain, swelling, and bruising.

The matter was later reported to the police, resulting in Bent’s arrest and formal charge. Under caution, he reportedly told investigators, “Officer, it’s out of ignorance mi lick har.”