The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MOTHER and her son were put on probation yesterday for their involvement in a schoolyard incident that was captured on cellphone video and shared on social media.

Rhonda Sands, 51, and Javano Sands, 24, appeared before Acting Assistant Chief Magistrate Subuoula Swain each facing a charge of causing harm in a fight at Yellow Elder Primary School, which was captured on video and spread on social media on Thursday, May 25.

It was alleged that the son intentionally and unlawfully caused harm to Rodrecco Taylor while the mother was accused of causing harm to Elthienea Brown.

The 24-year-old was also charged with damaging Taylor’s 2006 Honda Edix.

The pair pleaded guilty to their respective charges at yesterday afternoon’s arraignment.

After a video spread on social media, police confirmed last Thursday that they were investigating a stabbing incident at Yellow Elder Primary School. Initial reports from police alleged that a man and a woman were attacked by another man and woman.

Though the complainants were taken to hospital for treatment, the injuries were not life threatening.

The incident reportedly occurred as a result of money that was allegedly taken by Taylor who was in a relationship with the 51-year-old.

Sands was allegedly defending himself from being stabbed by Taylor.

The magistrate, in considering all of the circumstances including Sands’ early plea of guilt, lack of antecedents, handed the 24-year-old a term of two years probation for the offence of causing harm.

If he is arrested or runs afoul of the law within the next 24 months, he will be imprisoned at the Department of Correctional Services for six months.

He was also ordered to compensate the complainant with $1,000 for injuries sustained or serve two months in prison in default of payment. He must also pay $1,600 for damages to the car.

As for his 51-year-old mother, she was placed on 12 months probation on condition that if she runs afoul of the law in the next year she will spend three months in prison.

She was ordered to pay $500 to the female complainant or 30 days in default of payment.

Both were ordered to attend anger management courses and were placed on bail with the son being put on a $3,000 bond and the mother a $1,000 bond to keep the peace.

They return to Magistrate’s Court on September 21 for a status hearing concerning the ordered payments.

Inspector Lakisia Moss appeared for the prosecution.