Convicted Criminal Hurls Fan at Magistrate

Tensions flared at the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday when prisoner Mason Kelly attacked Magistrate Sashawna Jody-Ann Thompson. Kelly has a history of violent offences, including burglary and attempted murder. He lashed out during his court appearance.

According to police, Kelly was arraigned at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, February 19, where Magistrate Baha Shoman appeared virtually. Kelly recently completed a 15-year sentence for attempted murder and pleaded guilty to contempt of court. He denied the aggravated assault charge, claiming he threw a fan but did not aim it at the magistrate.

Magistrate Shoman accepted the guilty plea for contempt of court and imposed a fine of $175.00 or six weeks imprisonment. The aggravated assault case was adjourned to April 16.

It has been reported that the out-district magistrates are left to fend for themselves without proper security measures in place.