St Catherine judge directs police to charge woman over false firearm claim against man, orders bail

A judge in the St Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday instructed the police to charge a woman with creating public mischief after she admitted that she had falsely claimed she was attacked by a man with a gun.

Parish Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle made the ruling after the woman told the court that the weapon in question was actually a knife and not a firearm.

The admission came after the court was informed that the woman had revised the statement she initially gave to the police.

Following the development, the accused, Chadwick Powell, was granted bail in his own recognisance in his own surety.

Powell was originally charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and assault occasioning bodily harm.

Arising from the development, the weapon charge was dropped.

During Tuesday's proceedings, his attorney, Evan Evans, argued that the prosecution's case had been undermined because the complainant had retracted part of her original statement.

"Your Honour, she has given a statement to the police on the matter," Evans said.

The investigating officer told the court that the complainant had attended the police station and stated that the weapon used was a knife.

When Judge Nelson-Gayle asked the complainant whether it was a knife or a gun, she replied, "Yes, Ma'am, a knife."

The police subsequently took a further statement from the complainant reflecting the change.

Powell was granted bail in his own recognisance and is scheduled to return to court on September 8 on the assault charge.

Allegation before the court is that on June 14, 2026, the complainant and Powell became involved in a dispute that turned physical, during which she was assaulted.

She subsequently reported to the police.

Following an investigation, Powell was charged.

- Rasbert Turner

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