By Belize Live News Staff: A frightening incident unfolded on Wednesday at the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court when a defendant attacked Magistrate Sashawna Jody-Ann Thompson with an electric fan during court proceedings.
The assailant, reportedly mentally unstable, leaped from the dock and charged at the Magistrate. Police officers and several individuals intervened, managing to restrain the man after he also assaulted police officers. Fortunately, Magistrate Thompson did not sustain any significant injuries during the attack.
The defendant, a resident of Silk Grass with previous charges on record, was in court for an arraignment when the attack occurred. Following the incident, all court cases scheduled for the day were adjourned until further notice.
Magistrate Thompson, a Jamaican national, was recently called to the Bar in Belize just 12 days prior to the attack. The incident has reignited concerns about inadequate security measures at district courts, where magistrates are often responsible for their own safety despite facing occasional threats.
