Courtroom Evacuated After Man Brings Weapons as “Evidence” in Assault Case

Kingston, Jamaica — A courtroom at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court was temporarily evacuated on Tuesday after a man appeared with a bag containing a machete and a baton, which he claimed were “evidence” for his hearing on an assault charge.

The accused, 37-year-old Richard Notice, was before the court on a charge of assault occasioning bodily harm stemming from an altercation with a 15-year-old boy during a community football match.

According to reports, the boy began quarrelling with other players after receiving a yellow card. Notice intervened to remove him from the field, but the situation escalated, becoming physical. During the exchange, offensive language was reportedly used by both parties.

The boy then reportedly ran off, shouting at Notice to “stay right there.”

Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell commented during the hearing that many cases before the court stem from people not knowing when to hold their tongue, noting that the words exchanged were likely to provoke violence.

The complainant’s mother told the court that this was not the first time Notice had acted inappropriately, but claimed that many community members were afraid to report him.

In his defence, Notice argued that the boy had later returned with a cutlass and baton. At this point, he pointed to a grey cross-body bag he had brought into the courtroom, stating that it contained the weapons.

Judge Burrell questioned whether weapons had indeed been brought into the courtroom, to which Notice responded that they were “evidence.”

An officer retrieved the bag and presented it to the judge. Judge Burrell inspected the contents and then sanitised her hands, expressing concern over the situation and the potential danger to court staff and attorneys.

The judge stood the matter down and exited the room while a sweep of the courtroom was conducted. A short time later, proceedings resumed.

Judge Burrell acknowledged that Notice may not have known bringing weapons into court was prohibited, but stressed the importance of adhering to proper procedure.

She also encouraged both parties to consider restorative justice, reminding them that adults cannot discipline children unless sanctioned by their parents and urging the community to find peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

The matter was referred to the restorative justice programme, and both parties are expected to return to court on November 6.

As Notice exited the courtroom, Judge Burrell asked if his bag was now empty, to which he replied, “Yes, your Honour.”