'He threw dirty water on me' - 84-y-o landlord pleads guilty to burning tenant

An 84-year-old landlord who admitted to throwing hot water on his tenant during a dispute is expected to learn his fate next month after pleading guilty in the St Catherine Parish Court.

Albert Thomas of Spanish Town, St Catherine, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 21, 2026, after pleading guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm when he appeared before Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle on June 23.

During the hearing, Thomas admitted to the attack.

"Your honour, he threw dirty water on me about week before, so I hot the water and throw it on him," Thomas told the court.

The judge ordered a Social Enquiry Report and expressed concern about Thomas' physical condition, noting that he appeared severely bent forward and relied on family members to assist him in attending court.

Judge Nelson-Gayle also addressed compensation being sought by the complainant.

"I realise that the complainant is seeking $800,000, but the medical report does not support that. The complainant suffered pains and will need money, so that must be available, when next you appear," the judge said.

The allegations are that on April 21, 2026, the complainant was at home when a dispute developed between him and Thomas.

During the altercation, Thomas allegedly threw hot water on the man, burning his right hand and leg.

The injured man was taken to hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries.

Following investigations, Thomas was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm. He later admitted to the offence in court.

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