Antonio Alphonzo Matthews was today given six more weeks to pay his stepfather the remaining $1,400 of the $1,800 owed to him, after he damaged his stepfather’s vehicle a few weeks ago.
However, the additional time came with a stern warning from Magistrate Douglas Frederick to leave John Wilfred, the complainant, alone.
Matthews, a 34-year-old welder of Headley’s Land, Bank Hall, St Michael, had pleaded guilty previously to assaulting Wilfred and occasioning him actual bodily harm, as well as to damaging his truck on June 28.
The two had argued and fought on that date and the matter was reported to police. However, after they returned home, Matthews beat his stepfather while he was sitting under a shed. He also hit his stepfather’s truck.
The estimate for repairs was put at $1,800, which Matthews should have fully paid by the time he next returns to the District ‘A’ Magistrate Court.
Additionally, Magistrate Frederick today placed Matthews on a six-month bond and warned him to stay away from his stepfather and his property. A breach of that bond will mean three months in prison.
This development came after the stepfather told the court that Matthews shows one face in court but was “a different person” once outside.
“Let me explain to you what a bond is,” the Magistrate told Matthews.
“It is for you to keep and be on good behaviour. You heard what your stepfather was saying? And I believe him because he is the same person who came here last time and begged for you not to go to jail.
Frederick continued: “You have a bond over your head . . . and if you come back here and are found guilty, you will spend three months for the breach and then anything else.”