Court orders $800,000 payout in family dispute over vehicle repairs

The St Catherine Parish Court has awarded $800,000 in damages to a woman, arising from a family dispute involving a damaged motor vehicle and an unfulfilled reimbursement agreement.

The ruling was delivered on Friday, by Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyene.

The case arose after the woman used her personal funds to repair a motor vehicle owned by her former father-in-law following a collision that resulted in an insurance settlement.

According to evidence presented in court, the woman to pay the repair costs upfront to expedite the process, with the understanding that she would be reimbursed once the insurance cheque was received.

During the proceedings, it was disclosed that the claimant’s former husband, the defendant’s stepson, allegedly intervened and discouraged the defendant from honouring the agreement.

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Judge Alleyene noted that the defendant made multiple arrangements to meet the woman at the bank to effect repayment but failed to do so, reportedly due to concerns about jeopardising financial support from his stepson.

In her ruling, the judge found that a binding contract had been established, with offer, acceptance and consideration, and the intent to create legal relations.

The court ruled that the woman suffered financial detriment for the defendant’s benefit and was therefore entitled to repayment.

The judge ordered the defendant to repay $800,000.

The woman was represented by Richardson Law Chambers. Attorney Tanya Walters-Powell, who appeared for the defendant, indicated that an appeal is being considered.

- Rasbert Turner