Jason Randolph Christopher Bourne put his ex-girlfriend in a choke-hold three months ago yesterday, Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant ordered him pay the woman $700 compensation by December 2 if he wants to avoid the alternative of six months in jail.
“Mam, I gine pay the money ‘cause jail hard,” Bourne replied. In fact, he was so determined not to return to jail that he offered to pay it “by tomorrow”.
The convicted man is a 30-year-old carpenter from Parish Land, Christ Church.
When Bourne first appeared in court for assaulting Shakira Griffith and causing her actual bodily harm, he pleaded guilty before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court.
“I choked Shakira and I am sorry for what I have done,” he acknowledged. Explaining that he had a son who needed him, Bourne told the magistrate: “I would like to pay a fine so I can get on with my life.”
The court was told that Bourne saw his ex in the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal, attacked her from behind and began choking her. She managed to escape and reported the matter to police.
Bourne was later arrested and charged yesterday, the magistrate warned Bourne “to keep out of trouble”.