However, any fears the complainant had were allayed after Bartlett was placed on a bond and ordered to pay compensation, in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Bartlett, 46, of Villa Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael, was charged with, and pleaded not guilty to using the threatening words: “I gine kill you,” with intent to cause Trotman to believe that immediate unlawful violence would be used against him, on May 26.

He, however, admitted he damaged a bicycle belonging to Trotman, intending to damage the bicycle, on the same date.

He has 42 previous convictions.

The complainant explained Bartlett worked for him and lives in the same neighbourhood.

“I ain’t sleep last (Thursday) night,” he said.

“I ain’t want him lock up.” He stressed Bartlett was a good worker, but sometimes turned up drunk on work sites. He added he was thinking about Bartlett’s children.

“I give him a chance because of the children,” Trotman told the court.

“It was just a little mistake and I was a little intoxicated,” Bartlett later said.

In the end, Magistrate Manila Renee ordered him to compensate Trotman in the sum of $600 for the bicycle, by November 30 or spend a month in prison.

She further placed him on a bond for three months. If Bartlett breaches it, he will have to pay a $750 fine in one day or spend one month in prison.

Prosecutor Sergeant Kenmore Phillips said the two men were by the pavilion in Valery, Brittons Hill, St Michael, when they had an altercation about payment for work done.

Bartlett left and returned riding the complainant’s bicycle. He got off and proceeded to slash the tyres. (HLE)