ST JAMES, Jamaica — A dispute over allegedly unsatisfactory service at a Montego Bay business has escalated into a criminal case, with a business owner claiming more than $5.2 million (US$33,129) in damages.

Thirty-four-year-old Janice Lue of Mango Walk, St James, appeared before Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, charged with malicious destruction of property. She is represented by attorney Henry McCurdy.

The matter stemmed from a disagreement over service provided at a business establishment in Montego Bay on June 20. The court heard that after receiving the service, Lue left the premises, but later returned, stating that she was dissatisfied with what had been provided.

She requested the contact number for the business and, after receiving it, left the location once more. However, according to allegations before the court, she later returned, expressing continued dissatisfaction and requesting a refund.

The court heard that when the refund was refused and Lue was informed that the matter could be corrected, she became upset. It is alleged that she used a chair to damage a glass panel at the doorway of the establishment.

Among other items said to be damaged were a glass shelf, two nail table stations, one storage rack, six table stands, and five lamps. It is further alleged that 30 nail polishes on display were removed and smashed onto the floor.

After hearing the complainant’s estimate of the damage, Judge Grant-Pryce explained that any claim for compensation would have to be pursued through the Supreme Court, as the sum exceeds the jurisdiction of the Parish Court.

“This court will offer no money in relation to anywhere near that figure,” Grant-Pryce told the complainant.

The judge further noted that mediation could not be considered based on the amount claimed and that the matter would proceed strictly as a criminal case in the Criminal Court, where Lue will stand trial.

Following an application from her attorney, Lue was granted bail in the sum of $300,000 with up to three sureties and reporting conditions. She was also ordered to surrender her travel documents.

The matter is set to return to court on September 23.