Two get probation after fight over missing dog food

A public disturbance caused by two men over misplaced dog food resulted in them being hauled before the law courts on Thursday.

Jamar Paul Antonio Clarke, 33, of Close Hill Road, Cave Hill, St Michael and Pierre Pedro Ifill, 51 of Greenwich, St James appeared before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court where they pleaded guilty to causing a disturbance and possessing offensive weapons on July 16.

Prosecuting Sergeant Randolph Boyce told the court both men work at the Cheapside Public Market. Ifill is employed as a cold storage attendant and Clarke takes on odd jobs for butchers and vendors.

Clarke had some dog food stored in the market’s cold storage. On the mentioned date, market workers were cleaning the blast and chill freezers on the instructions of the supervisor and Ifill unknowingly placed Clarke’s dog food in a bin to be taken to the skip.

The next day, Clarke discovered that the dog food was missing and asked several people about it but did not talk to the supervisor.

Ifill overheard Clarke’s questions about the dog food and admitted to throwing out the package having been told to do so by the supervisor. This started an argument between the two which escalated with the men arming themselves — Ifill with a cutlass and Clarke with a knife. A small crowd gathered as a result of the disturbance during which Clarke was wounded on his bicep. The police were called, and the two men were arrested and charged. The weapons were also recovered.

After hearing the facts Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes placed the two on a bond to keep the peace for three months. If they breach that order they will each have to pay a $750 forthwith fine or face 30 days in prison.

(TS)