By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 34-year-old fisherman is behind bars after being accused of kissing an 18-year-old woman without her consent, an act the court has treated as sexual assault.
Oliver Sutherland was denied bail when he appeared in Court #6 before Senior Magistrate Mannon Dennison. He has since been remanded to the Belize Central Prison until May 14, 2026.
Sutherland, of East Collet Canal, was escorted to court where he was formally read a single charge of sexual assault. The allegation stems from an incident on March 23, 2026, in which he is accused of intentionally kissing the young woman on her cheek without her consent. He pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution strongly objected to bail, citing concerns that Sutherland had allegedly interfered with and threatened the complainant following the report. The prosecutor also argued that granting bail could put the victim at risk and noted that she is a young student.
Sutherland’s attorney, Leeroy Banner, argued that the alleged act was minor and at the lower end of the spectrum for sexual assault, suggesting that if convicted, his client would likely face a fine. He also maintained that Sutherland is not a flight risk and could comply with bail conditions.
However, Senior Magistrate Dennison sided with the prosecution, stating that he was concerned about the nature of the allegations and the relationship between the accused and the complainant. He denied bail at this stage, indicating that the matter could be addressed in the High Court, where more experienced judges could consider bail.
According to police, the complainant reported that Sutherland picked her up along the Philip Goldson Highway and later drove her to multiple locations, including the Conch Shell Bay area and Freetown Road. She alleged that during the encounter, he held her hands without permission and later, despite her refusal, forcibly pulled her closer and kissed her on the cheek.
The woman reportedly felt fearful and eventually exited the vehicle near the Leo Bradley Library before making a report at the Queen Street Police Station.
Sutherland has since exercised his right to apply for bail in the High Court, with his attorney initiating the process following the denial in the lower court.
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By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 34-year-old fisherman is behind bars after being accused of kissing an 18-year-old woman without her consent, an act the court has treated as sexual assault. Oliver Sutherland was denied bail when he appeared in Court #6 before Senior Magistrate Mannon Dennison. He has since been remanded to the Belize
The post Man kisses freedom goodbye after allegedly stealing cheeky kiss from student appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.