By Breaking Belize News Staff: Fifty-eight-year-old Basil Earl Willis has avoided another stint behind bars after pleading guilty to possession of 0.5 grams of cocaine, marking his second conviction in less than a month.
Willis, who was unrepresented, appeared before the Chief Magistrate and pleaded guilty to the drug possession charge.
In mitigation, Willis asked the court to impose a fine rather than send him back to prison, telling the court that he works as a car washer and does not want to return to jail. He also said that because of his record, when he is incarcerated he is placed directly in “the hole.”
The Chief Magistrate, however, expressed concern over Willis’ repeated appearances before the court, telling him, “You are making it hard for this court to give you a fine.”
Despite the warning, Willis was fined $500 plus $5 cost of court. He has until November 30, 2026, to pay, or he will face six months’ imprisonment.
Willis was convicted earlier this month for possession of an article with a blade after police allegedly found him with a four-inch blade after 8:00 p.m. In that case, police said Willis told them, “I always have my knife on me because yuh neva know.” He was fined $150 plus $5 cost of court.
He returned to court on September 14 on three additional charges — possession of 5.4 grams of crack cocaine with intent to supply, possession of 20 grams of marijuana and resisting arrest. He pleaded not guilty to those charges and was granted bail of $2,000.
Those matters remain before the court.
The post ‘You are making it hard for this court to give you a fine’: Basil Willis convicted again appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Fifty-eight-year-old Basil Earl Willis has avoided another stint behind bars after pleading guilty to possession of 0.5 grams of cocaine, marking his second conviction in less than a month. Willis, who was unrepresented, appeared before the Chief Magistrate and pleaded guilty to the drug possession charge. In mitigation, Willis asked
The post ‘You are making it hard for this court to give you a fine’: Basil Willis convicted again appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.