Fight over parking spot lands gym owner in court

The owner of a Corporate Area gym is accused of twisting a complainant's arm when they had a dispute over a parking spot.

Jvein Edwards is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, following an incident on July 21. It was reported by the complainant that he noticed that the watchman for the property was hindering persons from parking in specific spots. The property houses the complainant's business place as well as Edward's gym. There was a quarrel between the men and it was alleged that Edwards grabbed the complainant's arm and twisted it, causing bruising and swelling.

"And this is over a parking spot? I am concerned with what is happening in my country," Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque said when the matter was mentioned in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday. Everton Dewar, attorney representing Edwards, told the court that the complainant and his client have been before the court for a similar issue more than four years ago.

"There is an underlying issue. The matter was sorted out at mediation and here goes the very same thing," Dewar told the court. "We have no problem mediating the matter but you know judge, we are living in serious times. Living is getting difficult. People don't have no patience ... ."

"People are dying for foolishness," the judge chimed in.

However, the complainant informed the court that he was not interested in mediation and would prefer to go to trial. He described Edwards as a habitual offender.

"These are grown men and this is over a parking spot? One single parking spot?' Cole-Montaque asked again.

"There are 25 parking spaces on one side and 25 on the other side. His gym closes at 8 p.m., and as per the land agreement, I can use the parking space thereafter. None of my customers can park. He insults them and carry on and threatens to flatten their tyres," the complainant shared.

He indicated that he has a video of the alleged incident; however, the matter was adjourned until September 12. Edwards was warned to avoid having contact or communication with the complainant.