Posted: Saturday, January 18, 2025. 12:31 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Keron Coote, accused of assaulting his father and step-mother with an illegal firearm during a family dispute on January 8, 2025, is a free man after the remaining charges against him were withdrawn in court on Friday morning.
At around 10:20 a.m., Coote’s step-mother, appeared in Court #2 and informed the Senior Magistrate that she wished to drop the charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and wounding. She told the court, “He told me he was sorry already. I have forgiven him. I don’t want no court case.” She confirmed that her decision was made voluntarily and without any coercion.
Following her statement, the prosecutor offered no further evidence, and the Senior Magistrate dismissed the charges, allowing Coote to walk free.
Coote had been arraigned last week on January 10, where he pleaded not guilty to common assault upon his father, aggravated assault with a firearm upon his stepmother, and wounding. On the same day, Coote’s father appeared in court to request no further action against his son, leading to the dismissal of the common assault charge.
However, the more serious charges involving the alleged use of a firearm were not initially dismissed, and the matter was adjourned to January 16, 2025. When his stepmother failed to appear in court that day, the case was postponed to Friday, where she ultimately withdrew her complaint.
Coote’s release is notable, as firearm-related assault charges typically result in defendants being remanded to prison for up to 90 days without bail unless they apply to the High Court.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Coote has avoided a prolonged legal battle, with the family choosing to resolve the matter outside the court system.
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The post Man freed after step-mother withdraws gun assault charges appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, January 18, 2025. 12:31 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: Keron Coote, accused of assaulting his father and step-mother with an illegal firearm
The post Man freed after step-mother withdraws gun assault charges appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
