A 24-year-old man who allegedly beat his grandmother severely was further remanded when he appeared in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm is Tremaine Shawayne Smith of Watermount district, St Catherine.

When the case was mentioned persons cringed in their seats after the court was shown several pictures reflecting the bruises and swellings on the upper body of the senior citizen.

It was mentioned in court that Smith received a non-custodial sentence two years ago for beating the same complainant.

has become a habit

Having heard that beating has become a habit of the accused, Resident Magistrate (RM) Marcia Dunbar-Green then ordered that Smith be remanded for psychiatric evaluation.

The RM told the accused that it was a very serious offence for which he has been charged and needed to have his head checked by a doctor.

Allegation before the court are that on December 9 this year, Smith was at home with his grandmother in Watermount.

He started to behave boisterously and demanded money. When he failed to receive any, he reportedly grabbed a broomstick and started beating the woman .

She managed to run to a nearby premises and escaped the wrath of the aggressive Smith.

The police were summoned and he was arrested and charged.

He is scheduled to return to court on February 18 when the matter will again be mentioned.