Posted: Saturday, April 12, 2025. 4:39 am CST.
By Horace Palacio: Despite strong objections from Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, five teenagers accused of animal cruelty were granted bail on Friday after appearing before a senior magistrate in Belize City. The teens, including 19-year-olds Tyreek Straughan and Raheem Herbert, along with three minors, had pleaded guilty to charges of cruelty to animals but not guilty to charges of cattle theft.
Commissioner Williams had asked the court to deny bail, citing the disturbing nature of the crime and the need to send a strong message to others who might consider similar acts. He also revealed that the accused teens have extensive rap sheets despite their young ages and warned of a high likelihood of reoffending.
Still, the magistrate exercised her discretion and granted bail under strict conditions, including an 8:00 PM curfew and no contact with the complainant.
“These acts shock the conscience of society,” said Williams. “It’s deeply troubling that these young men treated a defenseless animal this way and now walk free while awaiting sentencing.”
The accused are expected to return to court in May for sentencing on the cruelty charges and in June for trial on the more serious charge of cattle theft.
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The post Teens accused of mutilating horse released under strict bail terms appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Despite strong objections from Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, five teenagers accused of animal cruelty were granted bail on Friday after appearing before a senior magistrate in Belize City. The teens, including 19-year-olds Tyreek Straughan and Raheem Herbert, along with three minors, had pleaded guilty to charges of cruelty to animals but not guilty to charges of cattle theft.
The post Teens accused of mutilating horse released under strict bail terms appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.