By Breaking Belize News Staff: Senior citizen Peter Searle, in his late 50s, returned to the High Court last week insisting that his appeal be heard—even though he has already completed the three-month prison sentence tied to his late-2025 conviction for a drug-related offence.
Appearing unrepresented before Justice Candace Nanton, Searle was informed that his matter is now considered an “academic appeal,” since he has already served the time imposed by the Learned Trial Magistrate. Despite this, Searle told the court he wants the appeal to proceed so that, if errors were made during his trial, they can be officially reflected on the record.
Justice Nanton explained that while the court cannot reverse a prison sentence that has already been served, it can determine whether the magistrate erred in law or procedure. She further informed Searle that, because he is without legal representation, a Legal Aid attorney will be asked to review his file and consult with him. The matter was adjourned to March 23, 2026.
Searle told the court he believes he was wrongly convicted and did not receive a fair trial. He claimed that evidence admitted during his trial consisted of false statements made by police officers, particularly regarding visibility and identification. He argued that it would have been highly unlikely for him to commit the alleged act under the circumstances described by the officers.
While acknowledging that he has already served the sentence and cannot benefit directly from any ruling in his favor, Searle maintained that he wants the court to formally note any wrongdoing if it is found that the magistrate erred.
Although Searle completed the three-month sentence related to this conviction, he remains incarcerated on a separate matter and is expected to be released on July 13, 2026.
The substantive arguments of the appeal were not heard today.
The post Peter Searle pursues ‘Academic Appeal’ to clear name despite already serving three-month sentence for drug charge appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Senior citizen Peter Searle, in his late 50s, returned to the High Court last week insisting that his appeal be heard—even though he has already completed the three-month prison sentence tied to his late-2025 conviction for a drug-related offence. Appearing unrepresented before Justice Candace Nanton, Searle was informed that his
The post Peter Searle pursues ‘Academic Appeal’ to clear name despite already serving three-month sentence for drug charge appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
