65-year-old freed of wounding charge in dispute over goat rope

A 65-year-old man accused of stabbing another during a dispute over goat ropes has been acquitted of wounding with intent charge in the St Catherine Circuit Court.

The accused, Cleveland Williams of Top Hill District in Bog Walk, St Catherine, was charged in relation to an incident that occurred on December 15, 2022.

His attorney-at-Law Denise Hinson argued that the prosecution had failed to negate self-defence.

On Thursday, Justice Dale Palmer upheld the submission and acquitted Williams of the charge.

According to the prosecution's case, Williams and the complainant had a disagreement after Williams was accused of cutting ropes used to secure the complainant’s goats, allowing them to stray.

Evidence presented in court indicated that the complainant confronted Williams and chased him with a machete, repeatedly striking him with the flat side of the weapon.

It was further revealed that while attempting to flee the attack, Williams used a knife to inflict a stab wound on the complainant in an effort to escape the assault. Despite this, Williams was reportedly pursued and further assaulted.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, and Williams was arrested and charged.

A medical certificate submitted to the court confirmed that Williams sustained wounds and lacerations to his back during the incident.

- Rasbert Turner

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.