A woman accused of splashing filthy water on another woman was fined when she appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

She is Verona Gordon, charged with common assault.

The court heard that, on the day in question, the complainant was standing at a location inside the Coronation Market, downtown Kingston, when an argument developed between her and the accused. Subsequently, the accused used 'dirty water' to drench the complainant.

"She say mi muss move from in front a her stall ... the next thing, whatever she had in the water, Your Honour, it numb my tongue, it smell up the whole environment!" the irate complainant told the sitting magistrate.

fine of $5,000

Upon hearing the complainant's account of the incident, Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey remarked, "One splash is gonna cost you."

The sitting magistrate ordered Gordon to pay a fine of $5,000 or serve six months in prison.

Overcome with emotion, the accused wept openly subsequent to sentencing.