Woman to pay for damaging bike after losing temper

Melissa DeGrace yesterday admitted that she set a bad example for her children by damaging their father’s motorcycle because he angered her.

DeGrace, 30, of 57 Back Street McDoom, was ordered by Magistrate Ann McLennan to compensate Curtis Luke for the $50,000 in damage that she did to his motorcycle by October 31 or face six months imprisonment.

DeGrace was also placed on a bond to keep the peace for one-year after pleading guilty to causing the damage at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Police prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that on August 10, 2013, at McDoom, Luke went to DeGrace’s home to drop off his children after they spent time at his residence. DeGrace, Jones said, informed him that she would like him to keep them a little longer so she could have  time to do a few personal things. He, however, told her she needed to text him and he would respond when he is in a good mood. She became irate upon being told this, according to Jones, and an argument ensued, culminating in her picking up a piece of wood and lashing his motorcycle, breaking the headlamps and rear and front number plates.

“I am sorry, Your Worship. I should have not let my anger get the better of me. I set a bad example because my children were there and I don’t want them to think that what I did was right. I will repay him every cent, ma’am,” DeGrace said remorsefully, when Magistrate McLennan asked her if she had anything to say.