MONTEGO BAY, St James — A bar owner who took issue with how a disappointed patron manhandled a gaming machine in his place of business is now before the court facing charges of unlawful wounding.

On Wednesday, Laurice Johnson — who is represented by attorney Michael Hemmings — appeared before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton who scheduled the case for trial on May 28 in the St James Parish Court. Johnson’s bail has been extended pending the hearing.

He is charged with unlawful wounding in relation to an incident alleged to have occurred at a Barnett Street bar in St James on February 19, approximately 8:30 pm.

It is alleged that the complainant was inside the establishment as a patron and was using a gaming machine when he became frustrated following the outcome of his play. He reportedly struck the machine several times, drawing attention within the bar. The bartender is said to have intervened and advised him to utilise any remaining credits before leaving the premises.

Shortly thereafter Johnson, who is alleged to be the owner of the establishment, approached the complainant and instructed him to leave. It is further alleged that as the complainant exited the premises, Johnson used his body to forcefully push him through the doorway.

The prosecution alleges that the confrontation continued outside the bar where Johnson is said to have produced an object from his pocket and used it to inflict a cut to the complainant’s neck.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, resulting in Johnson’s arrest and filing of the charge.