Harper proposes compensation to man whose nose he fractured

After admitting to cuffing a man and fracturing his nose, Deshon Shaquille Harper offered to pay his victim $10 000 in compensation over the next two years.

However, Justice Randall Worrell is yet to determine whether that will be the price the 1st Avenue Fairfield, St Michael resident pays for his crime.

Having previously pleaded guilty to unlawfully and maliciously inflicting serious bodily harm on Derrick Reid on February 27, 2016, Harper made the proposal on Wednesday when he appeared in the No. 2 Supreme Court before Justice Worrell.

He had also faced the charge of causing serious bodily harm to Reid with intent to maim, disfigure or disable him or to do some serious bodily harm to him, but pleaded not guilty to that offence.

The incident that led to the charges took place at a bus stop near Oistins Bay Garden. After looking at Reid aggressively, Harper, with a group of males, approached him and punched him in the left eye.

Reid reported the matter to the police and he was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was treated for a fractured nose and soft tissue injury to the face and eye.

In a previous court appearance, he said his medical expenses and not being able to work for a period of time because of the injuries had cost him around $14 000. Nevertheless, when asked by Justice Worrell if he was willing to take the $10 000 in compensation, paid in instalments over the next 24 months, Reid said he was.

The matter was adjourned until Friday when the judge will deliver the sentence.

Principal State Counsel Olivia Davis prosecuted the matter while Harper was represented by attorney Martie Garnes.