MONTEGO BAY, St James – A man who hit his father in the head with a hammer has been sentenced to probation and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to unlawful wounding.
A trial had been scheduled to begin on Monday, but Troy Jarrett, who had previously pleaded not guilty, changed his plea.
On previous mention dates, tension between the father and son played out in court, though the complainant stated that this was the first time he was being hit by his son.
Despite the father’s strong insistence on having his son imprisoned, the court determined that it was crucial to explore alternative solutions that prioritise the well-being of both parties involved, and the pair was sent to mediation. However, the mediation sessions became challenging as they were unable to reach an agreement and the father remained resolute in his decision to pursue a trial in order to seek justice.
As a result, the matter was set for trial.
After pleading guilty before presiding parish judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley on Monday, Jarrett was sentenced to two years’ probation and ordered him to pay $50,000 in restitution.
According to the prosecution’s case file, on March 22 the complainant visited his daughter’s house in Cornwall Courts, where he and his son got into an argument.
During the dispute, Jarrett took a hammer belonging to his father and struck him in the head, causing a wound.
