KINGSTON, Jamaica — Euton Savage, a 63-year-old Rastafarian, paid $10,000 in restitution on Tuesday after pleading guilty “with explanation” to assault occasioning bodily harm in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

The charges stem from an altercation between Savage and another man, reportedly over a woman, during which Savage struck the complainant with his rod.

Appearing before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell, Savage explained that he had not intended to assault the complainant, who Savage said approached him acting “boisterously”, prompting Savage to “ease him off” with his rod.

Savage then agreed to pay $10,000 to cover the complainant’s medical expenses as a result of the assault.

Taking note of the complainant’s expression, Judge Burrell commented, “It nuh look like you want peace…Your face still bend up.”

“Your honour, he is fighting me over a lady,” the complainant responded, further alleging that Savage had attacked him on two separate occasions.

“It is my woman!” Savage clarified.

Admonishing Savage of his charges, Judge Burrell warned, “You never get in trouble before and you are a man of Rastafarian faith…I do not expect to see you back here.”

— Kelsey Thomas