WESTERN BUREAU:

A St James man, who allegedly broke a mentally ill woman's arm last October, will stand trial in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, November 26, when the case against him is set to continue.

Curtis Wilkins, who is of a Montego Bay address, is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, committed against Gloria Wallace. He was given the trial date when he appeared in court on Tuesday.

It is alleged that, sometime in October 2012, Wallace, who is a patient at a mental-health facility in Montego Bay, attempted to leave the compound, but was prevented from doing so by Wilkins, who at the time was visiting his mother who was employed there. A struggle ensued between them during which Wallace was pushed to the ground and one of her arms was broken.

Yesterday, clerk of the court Sheryl Robinson told presiding magistrate Wilson Smith that Wallace had recovered fully from her injury.

"The complainant is indicating that her hand is better, but she has not returned to the doctor for follow-up treatment," said Robinson.

"Is the case file ready?" asked RM Smith.

"Yes, your honour, and everything has been served on the defence counsel," said Robinson, referring to Wilkins', lawyer Dalton Reid.

"The 26th of November is set for trial. The defendant's bail is extended, the complainant and the investigating officer are bound over, and a subpoena is issued for the other witnesses," said RM Smith, as he allowed Wilkins to leave the courtroom.