The mother of a nine-year-old boy has been charged with child cruelty after the child allegedly walked more than five kilometres from her home in Porto Bello, St James, to his father’s residence in Mount Salem.
The woman, identified as Jessica Jarrett, is scheduled to return to the St James Parish Court on September 30.
The incident reportedly occurred on July 17 after Jarrett questioned the child about not taking garbage out of the kitchen.
It is alleged that she cursed the boy, sent him outside and instructed him to go and call his father.
The child subsequently made his way to his father’s home in Mount Salem. Upon arrival, he reportedly complained of pain in his feet, with swelling also observed.
The boy is now staying with his father, who told the court that he wants to pursue custody of the child.
During proceedings, the court heard that statements from the arresting officer and the father’s current girlfriend were still outstanding.
Jarrett’s bail was extended until September 30.
Judge Grant-Pryce also urged both parents to prioritise the child’s welfare and warned them against involving him in any dispute between them.
The judge stressed that the child should not be used as a means of retaliation between the parents, as the child would ultimately be the one to suffer

