The principals of both schools are said to be having discussions in an attempt to defuse the situation, and a strong police presence is expected in the Half-Way Tree area this morning as part of an attempt to avert another clash between the warring students. The police are also asking teachers from both schools to come to the Half-Way Tree Transportation Centre in order to help ensure that students go directly to classes, then back home in the afternoon.

[It's an ironic news item from the Gleaner's archives, given the current drought conditions facing Kingston and the rest of Jamaica.]

The court heard evidence that on November 10, 2009, Bramwell and his sister had a dispute over the use of a cable box. The argument turned into a fight, and their mother attempted to end the brawl. Bramwell then allegedly used a machete to chop her in the forehead. She was rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital (where she spent four days undergoing treatment), and later that day Bramwell allegedly attacked his sister once again, then set fire to their mother’s house. The house and all its contents were completely destroyed by the fire.

Bramwell is scheduled to return to court on April 12 when the case will come up for mention again.

The court heard that on the day in question, the complainant was on her way home from work, when the accused stopped her and made sexual advances and demands. He had reportedly done this on several occasions before and the complainant had refused him, and this time she rebuked him strongly. The accused allegedly got angry and picked up a bottle, which he then broke, and pressed against the complainant’s neck, causing a small cut.

The matter was reported to the police, and Joseph was arrested and charged. He is scheduled to return to court on April 19.

It is believed that he was accidentally shot while they were exploring the gun, but the accused teenager is currently being held in police custody on suspicion of murder.

Initially, a spokesperson for the JPSCo. had said that the customer was being billed for electricity that was not registered on the meter, or “under-registration”. Subsequent to this however, checks by JPSCo. technicians have revealed that faulty wiring at the premises led to the high meter readings. The JPSCo. said that because of the faulty wiring, there were spikes in the meter readings, even while all appliances in the house were unplugged.

Digicel would like to advise its valued customers that there are currently a number of fraudulent scams being carried out which target mobile customers via text or voice calls.

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The court heard evidence that Stephenson was traveling through Porus in Clarendon, and that his vehicle was full of marijuana. The police attempted to pull over his vehicle, but he continued driving. Police officers several miles down the road attempted to intercept Stephenson’s vehicle, but he managed to elude them as well. Stephenson then reportedly turned off the lights on his vehicle while driving, and later struck the motorcyclist, who died on the spot.

Following intensive investigations, Stephenson was arrested and charged a month later.

In the Red Hills area of the parish, at approximately 8 a.m. this morning, residents reportedly found the head of one Franklyn McCalla. His body was later found in the trunk of a car about five miles from where his head was found. Police reports indicate that he may have been murdered at his house in the Spring Gardens Housing Scheme.

Later that day, there was the discovery of another human head, this time in the Retreat area. Police investigations led to a shallow grave where the police suspect that the rest of the body is buried. They were awaiting the arrival of a pathologist before digging up the grave.

The court heard that the two had an argument on January 26, when she saw him using her washtub and washing soap without her permission. During the argument, he reportedly punched her in the left eye, causing it to bleed. Dehaney tried to explain to the court that he had lashed out after she had approached him from behind.

On the charge of unlawful wounding, he was sentenced to 12 months at hard labour suspended for 12 months, but he also faces a malicious destruction charge, which will be heard in court on March 10. He was offered bail in the sum of $5000 in his own surety.