Following the ruling yesterday that soca superstar Machel Montano will not serve jail time for the four assault charges of which he had been convicted, the few fans waiting for word of the outcome outside the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court breathed a sigh of relief.

Montano along with songwriter/producer Kernal Roberts, who was also convicted of assaulting two of the victims, were ordered to pay fines and compensation.

Montano's mother, Liz Montano said she was pleased with the outcome. 

" I am pleased; I feel very good because these are two guys I believe in very much. I think they have contributed a lot to society. I am happy for them," Montano said. 

Robert's aunt Patricia Faltine was also pleased with the outcome. She said she never stopped praying.

"I have been praying for Kernal. I am happy that he will not face a jail term. I am so relieved. We can move on and put this behind us," she said.

Jean Marc Gittens, producer and long-time friend of Roberts said he was relieved it was finally over. 

Soca artiste, Cassiano Sylvester (Cassi) was also celebrating. 

"Machel can move on with his life and continue his musical journey," Sylvester said. 

Sydney Williams, 39, said she was pleased with the outcome. She said she has been following the case since it started about five years ago. "Everybody makes mistakes. Machel made a mistake but that doesn't mean he deserves to be put in jail. He has contributed a lot to society. I think he is a great person who made a bad decision. I am happy with the judge's decision.

Most people admitted they did not expect a jail term for Montano.

Jason Maxwell said the fine was a fair ruling. "Everybody was debating what would happen but I knew that whatever the outcome would be they wouldn't jail Machel; plenty people knew that too. I wish Machel all the best in his future because everybody makes mistakes.  Machel should learn from this experience and continue his successful career," Maxwell said.