Taximan accused of assaulting brother-in-law, stealing car granted $250,000 bail

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A taxi operator accused of assaulting his brother-in-law and stealing his motor vehicle was granted $250,000 bail with two sureties when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday. George Dempster is charged with assault at common law, robbery with aggravation and malicious destruction of property. The allegations are that while the complainant was at his house, Dempster visited and told him that his mother was treating the complainant better than she treated him. The complainant reportedly responded, “She must treat me better because I deal with her great.” The following day, the complainant was reportedly on his way to a gas station when Dempster allegedly used his motor car to block his path. Dempster reportedly exited the vehicle with two other men, who allegedly pulled the complainant from his car and physically assaulted him. The complainant reportedly managed to escape and ran off. However, when he returned, he reportedly saw one of the men driving away in his car. The vehicle was later found at Dempster’s gate. As part of Dempster’s bail conditions, he was ordered to have no contact with the complainant. A restorative justice order was also made. Dempster is expected to return to court on January 26, 2027. —Vanassa McKenzie