Couple who came to court together on motorcycle referred to counselling

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A couple who arrived together on a motorcycle for a recent domestic dispute court hearing in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court have been referred to counselling to resolve the matter.

Embery Clarke pleaded guilty to assault at common law and assault occasioning actual bodily harm for an incident that unfolded on October 8, 2024.

According to court documents, about 8:30 pm, Clarke and the complainant were at home with their child when an argument developed and he reportedly punched her.

His child’s mother also alleged that he threatened to kill her but Clarke entered a not guilty plea for that charge.

He explained to Chief Parish Court Judge Chester Crooks that the complainant came at him with heated dog food and in the process of restraining her she made claims that he punched her. He, however, admitted to restraining her around the neck.

Addressing inquiries on how they arrived at court Tuesday morning, Clarke told Judge Crooks that they came to court together on his motorcycle, but the complainant noted that she had no other choice.

Noting that this was the couple’s first physical altercation, and confirming that Clarke had since apologised and assisted his child’s mother with buying medication for her injuries, Judge Crooks referred the couple to counselling with probation officers.

— Kelsey Thomas