A woman had to be rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital last week after her left thumb was bitten off during a dispute with the wife of a man with whom she is reportedly having an affair, THE STAR understands.

Police say both women were involved in a catfight after an argument developed over the man.

The Denham Town police say there are conflicting reports on the incident involving Salomie Willocks, 36, the wife, and Nadine Mullings, the other woman. However, statements suggest that the alleged extramarital behaviour of Willocks' spouse sparked the tussle.

Hit by stone

One version of the story states that Mullings was walking along Maxfield Avenue, St Andrew, when Willocks threw a stone, hitting her. A tussle then developed and Mullings' finger was bitten off.

The other storyline, however, says that Willocks was taking her children to school when an argument developed between herself and Mullings.

The story continues that a fight later developed and both parties bit each other, however Mullings injury was more severe.

The police said that Mullings showed up at the Denham Town Police Station in a half conscious state, suffering from the bite and had to be rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Willocks was subsequently arrested and charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding following investigations into the case.

Willocks was granted $50,000 bail with surety in the Corporate Area Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Friday. She returns to court on April 23. Her husband was not present in court.

News briefs

TUGGS BODY FOUND

The body of Ricardo 'Tuggs' Gordon, 29, construction worker of Glenmuir Housing Scheme, May Pen, Clarendon, was found in bushes in the community yesterday morning. Police say about 7 a.m., residents saw the body close to the train line behind the housing scheme and called the police. Investigators discovered that the body had several gunshot wounds. The scene was processed and the body removed to the morgue for an autopsy. Detectives from the May Pen CIB who are investigating say residents reported hearing explosions in the area about 10 p.m. last night.

CABBIE SHOT DEAD

Byron Roberts, a 38-year-old taxi operator, was shot dead by gunmen at his home at Savannah Lane, Linstead, St Catherine, yesterday morning. Reports are that about 2 a.m., Roberts was at home when his room door was kicked open by gunmen. The gunmen immediately opened fire, killing him on the spot. The police were called and the body removed to the morgue. The Linstead police are investigating.

COPS KILL JOHN DOE

An unidentified man was fatally shot by the police on the Long Bay Beach in Westmoreland yesterday. The man is believed to be in his late 20s, of dark complexion, wore plaits and was clad in blue shirt, blue jeans pants and white sneakers. Reports are that about 3:15 a.m., the man was reportedly seen breaking into car during a function which was in progress on the beach. The police were alerted and on their arrival the man reportedly attacked one of the lawmen with a knife. The officer took evasive action and opened fire hitting his attacker. The man ran and jumped a fence before collapsing. He was taken to the Savanna-la-mar Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Bureau of Special Investigations is probing the matter.

COPS PROBE MAN'S DEATH

The May Pen police in Clarendon have launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of an unidentified man at Toby Heights, Sandy Bay in the parish yesterday. The dead man is believed to be in his early 20s, of medium build, dark complexion, about 165 centimetres tall and was clad in blue, short jeans pants.

Reports are that about 8 a.m., residents saw the body in bushes and called the police. Investigators found the body with several stab and chop wounds and one of its hands severed.