Accused window smasher gets new court date

A St James man who reportedly attacked another man with a knife and damaged the windows of the complainant's grandfather's house had his bail extended when he appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

Melvin Ricketts, of a Cassava Walk address, pleaded not guilty to assault at common law and malicious destruction of property when he appeared before presiding Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton. The allegations are that on August 22, at 7 a.m., the complainant was at his grandfather's house in Cassava Walk when Ricketts arrived. Shortly after, the complainant's grandfather told him to tell Ricketts to leave the house. An argument ensued between the parties, during which Ricketts pulled a knife and tried to stab the complainant in the chest. During the fight, the complainant managed to disarm Ricketts, who left the house.

However, it is alleged that Ricketts returned a short time later and threw stones at the building, damaging windows. The police were called, and when cautioned, Ricketts reportedly said, "Mi nuh have no problem fi pay fi di window, but a dem get me upset." He was subsequently arrested and charged.

During Wednesday's mention of the case, the court was told that the case file is incomplete, as the arresting officer's statement is outstanding. Judge Fairclough-Hylton subsequently set September 24 as the next date for the case to be mentioned and ordered Ricketts to surrender his fingerprints to the police. She also issued a subpoena for the complainant, who was absent from court, to appear on the next court date.