KINGSTON, Jamaica – A police constable accused of physically assaulting a man and breaking his jaw, may be stuck paying millions in restitution.

Malron Morris, charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, allegedly punched the man in his face and breaking his jaw, the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court was told Tuesday.

The allegations are that on June 10, 2022, Morris was on duty at the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre in St Andrew, when he stopped the complainant and his friend and requested a search. However, nothing illegal was found.

A short while after, the complainant and his friend were reportedly seen talking to a group of school girls. It is alleged that Morris came and brought his friend towards a small room that is always occupied by police officers. But, out of concern for his friend, the complainant said he followed closely behind.

It was said that Morris later exited the room with a metal baton, told the complainant to enter the room and questioned him. The constable then allegedly used the baton to hit him on the left foot, then punched the man several times in the face, and chin, breaking his jaw.

The incident was reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and Morris was later arrested and charged.

During the proceedings, Morris’ defence attorney said his client is willing to pay restitution and “to be fair we would have to start a figure of at least $500,000.” But the man declined this offer and said he would like at least $2 million.

The matter was stood down for about two hours, in which the attorney had a “mature discussion” with his client. When the matter was called again, the lawyer said they would be willing to pay the $2 million.

However, the matter was nowhere near being mediated, because shortly after, the complainant’s mother told Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague that she would like more than the $2 million, since her son’s treatment is still not completed.

She said she spoke with their lawyer, who was not in court on Tuesday, and he asked for them to “hold off” on the matter .

The woman stated that she has to take him back to a specialist and that would cost at least US$14,000. She also disclosed that Morris broke four of his teeth.

The matter was ultimately adjourned for July 27, when it is expected that the court will be furnished with invoices detailing the cost of treatment for the complainant.