By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 53-year-old man who pleaded guilty to robbing a woman on Christmas Day has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and placed under close observation after repeatedly telling the court he would kill himself if sent to jail.
The accused, Lester Smith, who initially identified himself to the court as Allister Alex Smith, admitted to robbing a woman of her purse by use of force on December 25, 2025. During the sentencing hearing before the Chief Magistrate, Smith told the court, “Once I go dah jail, I wah hang myself,” and later repeated, “All I wah do dah tek meh life, kill myself.”
In response, the Chief Magistrate ordered that precautionary measures be taken to ensure Smith’s safety, despite his later attempt to downplay the statements. Court personnel at the holding cell were instructed to take extra care. Smith apologized for making the remarks, but the court maintained the safeguards.
Smith, a watchman from an island in the Turneffe area, was charged with robbery after he attacked a woman in the early hours of Christmas Day. The court heard that the victim was walking along Wilson Street when the accused demanded her purse. Despite being overpowered, the woman resisted, striking her attacker with her phone during a struggle. The purse burst open, and the assailant fled with it.
The stolen purse, valued at $60, contained personal items including identification cards, ATM cards, $200 in cash, a Samsung charger, and two pawnshop receipts. Police detained Smith shortly after the incident based on the victim’s description and directions provided.
After pleading guilty, Smith begged the court for leniency, saying he was going through personal hardship and that the offense was not reflective of who he is. However, the matter was temporarily stood down when court records revealed that Smith had lied about his true identity.
The Chief Magistrate noted that Smith’s deception weighed heavily against him, particularly in light of his extensive criminal history, which includes 21 prior convictions—six for crimes of dishonesty, three for burglary, multiple drug-related offenses, three escapes from lawful custody, and a recent aggravated assault conviction for which he had just completed a prison sentence.
Of the five-year maximum sentence for robbery when tried summarily, the court set a starting point of four years, citing the use of moderate force, psychological harm to the victim, and the prevalence of robbery during the Christmas season. One year was added due to Smith’s previous convictions and his attempt to mislead the court about his identity. A one-third reduction was then applied for his early guilty plea, resulting in a final sentence of two years’ imprisonment.
Despite his threats, Smith was escorted to the Belize Central Prison at around 4:10 p.m. without incident, where authorities were advised of his statements to ensure appropriate monitoring.
The post Man with 21 convictions who robbed woman on Christmas Day threatens to kill himself in jail appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 53-year-old man who pleaded guilty to robbing a woman on Christmas Day has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and placed under close observation after repeatedly telling the court he would kill himself if sent to jail. The accused, Lester Smith, who initially identified himself to the court as
The post Man with 21 convictions who robbed woman on Christmas Day threatens to kill himself in jail appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
