Taxi Driver Charged with Assault and Car Theft After Family Dispute in Kingston

A Kingston taxi operator has been granted $250,000 bail after being charged with assaulting his brother-in-law and stealing his vehicle. The case returns to court in January 2027.

Kingston Taxi Driver Granted Bail Over Family Row Turned Violent

A taxi operator has been released on $250,000 bail with two sureties after appearing before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, the Jamaica Observer reports. George Dempster faces charges of assault at common law, robbery with aggravation, and malicious destruction of property.

According to the allegations, a dispute between Dempster and his brother-in-law escalated after Dempster visited the complainant's home and accused their shared family of favouring the complainant over him. The complainant allegedly replied that the preferential treatment was deserved.

The following day, Dempster reportedly used his car to block the complainant's path while he was travelling to a petrol station. Two men accompanying Dempster allegedly dragged the complainant from his vehicle and attacked him.

The complainant managed to flee the scene. Upon returning, he found his car being driven away by one of the men. The vehicle was subsequently recovered at Dempster's gate.

As a condition of his bail, Dempster was ordered to have no contact with the complainant. A restorative justice order was also issued by the court.

Dempster is scheduled to return to court on January 26, 2027.

Source: Jamaica Observer