Workers clash over microwave

A dispute over the use of a microwave led to a physical clash between two airport workers. One of the workers, Frisco Betty, 27, allegedly punched his co-worker all over her body, following an argument.

Betty, it is alleged, punched the complainant on the right side of her face, causing swelling and bruising. He was subsequently charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and brought before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, where he pleaded not guilty yesterday.

Presiding Judge Leighton Morris referred the matter to mediation.

"Not all matters that come before the court must go to the trial court," Morris said.

"There are other avenues available, one of which is mediation. What will happen is that a trained expert intervenes and hears from both sides, and if there is a meeting of the minds, sometimes a resolution is found and the parties will agree to it, with the guidance of the mediator, and the issue is resolved that way."

Betty and the complainant are to return to court on October 3, when the results of the mediation are to be shared with the court.