Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

A dreadlocked man who allegedly doused another man, also sporting locks, with thinner and then set him ablaze was remanded when he appeared in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm is Leroy Newman, 37-year-old labourer of a Portmore, St Catherine address.

When the dreadlocked Newman appeared before Resident Magistrate (RM) Simone Wolfe-Reece he pleaded not guilty. His attorney Courtney Maxwell asked that the matter be adjourned to apply for bail. His request came after the RM told him that the question of bail could not be entertained at this time.

The matter will be mentioned on October 25.

It was agreed that the lawyer would be better able to apply for bail when medical certificate was ready.

Allegations before the court are that on June 7, the accused and the complainant, who also wears locks, were in a bar in Portmore when an argument developed.

Newman reportedly threw the thinner on his upper body after which he lit the complainant who fell.

He allegedly used a machete to slap the complainant repeatedly.

A report was made and an investigation led to Newman being charged.