KINGSTON, Jamaica — An attempt to resolve a dispute between a woman and her husband’s niece through mediation on Tuesday proved unsuccessful, sending the matter back to court.

Julia Edwards and Corey-Ann Morgan, who reside in the same community, are currently before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court over assault charges stemming from an altercation on October 6, 2024.

Both parties were reportedly walking along a roadway when they got into a heated argument in which expletives were exchanged. Morgan is accused of punching Edwards during the argument while Edwards is accused of pushing Morgan in her chest.

Edwards is charged with assault at common law while Morgan is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

When the matter was called up in court on Tuesday, Chief Parish Court Judge Chester Crooks referred both parties for mediation but the intervention effort failed to lead to a resolution.

They will return to court on December 16. Their bails were extended.

Both parties were warned not to interfere with each other.

— Kelsey Thomas