Man charged with theft after allegedly attempting to sell stolen car battery

Posted: Thursday, November 7, 2024. 1:02 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 48-year-old Belize City welder, Rene Alfredo Quilter, appeared in court on Tuesday on a theft charge after allegedly taking a car battery from a parked vehicle on West Collect Canal. Quilter initially pleaded guilty, explaining that he found the battery in a yard and attempted to sell it to a mechanic, only to learn it was not functional. He then claimed he discarded the battery.

Quilter, who was unrepresented in court and required an interpreter, was read the charge in Court #7. Allegations state that on Sunday, November 3, 2024, he stole a black Gonher brand car battery valued at $375 from Jose Espat’s truck, which was parked near the market.

According to Espat, he left the battery in the back of his truck while shopping, only to return and find it missing. A bystander reportedly identified the thief, leading Espat to a mechanic shop on Cemetery Road where he confronted Quilter. Quilter denied the theft, but Espat detained him and brought him to the police station, where Quilter later admitted to taking the battery and led officers to its location.

Upon hearing the full police report, Quilter changed his plea to not guilty, arguing, “The battery was not even working.” The Magistrate granted him bail at $1,500 under conditions, including that he must check in weekly with police and not contact Espat. His next court date is pending.

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The post Man charged with theft after allegedly attempting to sell stolen car battery appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Thursday, November 7, 2024. 1:02 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 48-year-old Belize City welder, Rene Alfredo Quilter, appeared in court on Tuesday
The post Man charged with theft after allegedly attempting to sell stolen car battery appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.