St James man accused of assaulting girlfriend settles case through mediation
ST JAMES, Jamaica— The case of a St James man accused of assaulting his girlfriend while visiting her was amicably settled through mediation at the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.
Christopher Wedderburn was facing a charge of unlawful wounding.
When given the permission to speak, Wedderburn informed the court that he had loaned the woman a sum of money, and when he requested repayment, she waved a knife in his face, leaving him with no choice but to defend himself.
Presiding parish judge then asked the pair if they wanted to try mediation, and they agreed.
The court briefly postponed the proceedings to allow the parties to engage in a mediation session with a probation officer who was in attendance. Upon revisiting the case, the court was informed that a settlement had been reached.
In light of the mediation agreement, the prosecution offered no evidence against Wedderburn, and he was discharged.
According to court records, on April 24, the complainant was at home at Railway Lane in Montego Bay, St James when Wedderburn came there and expressed a desire to have a conversation with her.
An argument erupted and the defendant reportedly tossed stones at the complainant, hitting her in the back and one of her feet, causing injury.