Pump attendant in Westmoreland burn case granted $350,000 bail; ordered not to interfere with victim

The pump attendant accused of setting a woman on fire during an altercation at a gas station in Whithorn, Westmoreland, was granted bail on Wednesday, sparking emotional scenes at the local courthouse.

Collate Swaby, 30, was granted bail in the sum of $350,000 with one or two sureties when the matter was called up for case management on Thursday.

The court ordered Swaby to surrender all travel documents in her possession, and a stop order is to be placed at all ports of exit.

As part of her bail conditions, Swaby is required to report to the Negril Police Station every Wednesday and Saturday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. She was also instructed not to interfere with the complainant or any prosecution witnesses or obstruct the course of justice, directly or indirectly.

The matter was adjourned to April 16, when Swaby is expected to return to court.

The charges stem from a February 19 incident at the Whithorn gas station, where a confrontation reportedly developed between Swaby and 40-year-old Dacia Forrester.

Investigators allege that Swaby doused Forrester with a flammable substance and set her on fire as the dispute escalated.

Swaby was subsequently charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

Relatives of Forrester have appealed for public donation to help with her treatment.

- Mickalia Kington

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