By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize City police officer who was charged in connection with a domestic dispute that drew public attention has been freed after the virtual complainant declined to proceed with the case.
PC Phillip Garbutt, 39, attached to the Traffic Support Unit of the Belize Police Department, had been charged with wounding his common-law wife and causing harm to her 8-year-old son. The charges stemmed from an incident on February 17, 2026, at their Watermelon Street residence, where video footage of the altercation later circulated publicly.
Garbutt, who had pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of $2,000 plus one surety, appeared unrepresented before a Magistrate in Court #3 on Monday morning. During proceedings, Jacobs took the stand and told the court, “I nuh wah no further court action.”
Under questioning from the prosecution, Garbutt’s wife confirmed that she was not forced, threatened, or induced in any way to withdraw the matter. Following her statement, the prosecutor offered no further evidence, leading the Magistrate to dismiss the charges for want of prosecution. Garbutt was then informed he was free to go.
The case had previously been set to proceed, with disclosure expected to be handed over as recently as April 16. However, in light of the complainant’s position, the prosecution opted not to continue.
According to police reports, the incident arose from a domestic dispute in which the wife alleged that Garbutt assaulted her, causing injuries to her face and lips. She also reported that her son was struck after attempting to intervene. Medical examinations later classified her injuries as wounding and the child’s as harm.
Despite the dismissal, the matter has sparked concern. The child’s father expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating that the system failed to protect his son and arguing that the case should not have been withdrawn.
The incident, amplified by video footage of the confrontation, had initially led to Garbutt’s arrest and formal charges.
The post Cop walks free after common-law wife drops charges against him for allegedly beating her and her son; Child’s dad says ‘system failed to protect his son’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize City police officer who was charged in connection with a domestic dispute that drew public attention has been freed after the virtual complainant declined to proceed with the case. PC Phillip Garbutt, 39, attached to the Traffic Support Unit of the Belize Police Department, had been charged with
The post Cop walks free after common-law wife drops charges against him for allegedly beating her and her son; Child’s dad says ‘system failed to protect his son’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
