MONTEGO BAY, St James — A workplace dispute that allegedly escalated into violence has landed one man before the St James Parish Court.

Jermaine Bent appeared before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, last Wednesday, charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in connection with the incident.

The court was told that the matter stems from an encounter on December 17, 2025 during a routine morning shift at the Montego Bay Free Zone. About 9:00 am, the complainant was on duty when she was approached by Bent while she was on the phone. It is alleged that he took her mobile phone and a dispute developed after he refused to return it.

According to reports, Bent later moved into a nearby room and remained inside with the device. The complainant followed in an effort to recover her property, and it is further alleged that the situation escalated once she entered the room. Bent is said to have struck her in the mouth, resulting in pain, swelling, and visible bruising.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Bent’s arrest and charge. While under caution, he reportedly told investigators, “Officer, it’s out of ignorance mi lick har.”

The case is set for mention on April 15, with Bent’s bail extended until that date.