A Kensington New Road, St Michael resident learnt two things when she attended the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court yesterday; firstly, that she has to dress appropriately for court and, secondly, that the court is not obliged to wait on her.
Jhakira Patrice Akilah Matthews, 29, was involved in two matters down for hearing. In one case, she was accused of wounding Stacy Andell Lashley and, in the other cross-charge, Lashley was accused of wounding her. Lashley lives at Chepstow Street, The City.
When Matthews showed up for court, she was asked by a court official to go and change and return in appropriate attire. Matthews told the police constable that she would come back “when I feel like”.
By 11.30 a.m. when Sergeant Janice Ifill called the matter a second time, Matthews was still not back.
The court was then informed of what the woman had said.
When she entered the courtroom about ten minutes later, Magistrate Cuffy-Sargeant asked her to enter the dock. Matthews admitted that she had in fact spoken those words. While the Magistrate was scolding the woman about her behaviour, Matthews laughed.
She was told that it was “no laughing matter” and was ordered to pay $50 costs forthwith or face seven days in jail. The money was paid.
The matter against Matthews was adjourned.