By Belize Live News Staff: The Belize City Magistrate’s Court today denied bail to a 43-year-old farmer accused of raping his own daughter at their Hattieville home.
The teenager, a 17-year-old student, reported to police that during July 2025 her father began touching her inappropriately. On Monday, August 25, she alleged he forcibly had sexual intercourse with her against her will. Accompanied by her mother, she made a formal report to Hattieville Police. A subsequent medical exam confirmed that she had been carnally known.
In court, the accused appeared unrepresented before the Magistrate, who read him two charges—rape and sexual assault. No plea was taken as the matter has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for direction.
The prosecution, led by a police sergeant, mounted a strong objection to bail, citing the severity of the charges, the family relationship between the victim and the accused, the risk to both their safety, and the possibility that the accused might abscond, given his lack of a fixed residence.
When questioned by the Magistrate as to why he should be granted bail, the accused gave no response. He also appeared confused about the nature of the charges, requiring the Magistrate to explain the meaning of rape.
Bail was denied, and the father was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next scheduled appearance on October 17, 2025.
