The operator of Open Arm Shelter was in shock on Friday, when she appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

Charged for unlawful wounding is Yvonne Grant, owner and operator of the homeless shelter.

Allegations are that Grant used her finger to scratch the complainant in his face, causing a "little" *la*hd to run.

"She pushed the summons in mi pocket, your honour, and then her finger scraped the left side of my face causing a little *la*hd to run," the complainant said.

Grant went on to tell the court that she had taken the complainant into her care because he was deported from America after serving time in jail six times for wounding and assault.

"He approached the home and said he was homeless and I advised him he could stay here for a while," said Grant. She added that later in the night, the complainant got in an argument with a male resident, who, he claimed, injured his left eye and damaged his glasses.

Grant told the court that she gave the complainant a referral to have his eye treated at the Kingston Public Hospital. However, his glasses could not be replaced by the hospital. The complainant was obviously upset and he went to report the matter to the police. A summons was then served on Grant by the complainant and, it was at this point, he said, that Grant assaulted him.

When Resident Magistrate Glen Brown spoke on the matter he said, "How can you bite the hand that feeds you?"

The complainant replied, "She did not feed me your honour, I didn't even spend a full night there. Your honour, I am just here for the primary reason of the assault."