Uncle bonded after hitting niece with frying pan

A 65-year-old truck driver who hit his niece on the head with a frying pan has been placed on a six-month bond to keep the peace.

The magistrate warned that any breach would attract an immediate financial penalty and possible prison time, while the complainant was advised she could pursue further compensation in a higher court. 

David Delisle Watson of Parkinson Field, Pinelands, St Michael, appeared before the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ and pleaded guilty to assaulting Paula Best, causing her actual bodily harm on November 30. 

Court prosecutor Sergeant Kenmore Phillips told the court that the two are uncle and niece who live at the same address, and that there is tension between them as Watson often tells his niece to find somewhere else to live.

On the mentioned date, Best and her aunt were involved in an argument, which turned physical. Watson intervened but got knocked down. He then armed himself with a frying pan and struck Best in the back of the head. She walked outside and passed out. She later contacted the police. 

In his defence, Watson told the court: “She hit my sister.”

Placing him on a bond, the chief magistrate told him that if breached, he would have to pay $1 000 immediately or spend 90 days in prison. 

Asked if she would like to receive compensation, Best, who was present, said she had suffered from headaches since the incident. Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes informed her that the lower courts were limited in how much they could order and that she could seek compensation in a higher court if she so chose.