Belize City Fisherman Remanded on Sexual Assault Charge

A Belize City fisherman has been remanded to prison after being accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old female in an incident stemming from what police say was a non-consensual act.  Thirty-four-year-old Oliver Sutherland, also known as “Suttie” or “Head,” appeared before Senior Magistrate Mannon Dennison in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where he was formally charged with a single count of sexual assault.  The charge relates to an incident reported to have occurred on March 23, in which Sutherland allegedly kissed the complainant on the cheek without her consent. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.  In court, the prosecution strongly objected to bail, citing concerns that Sutherland had allegedly interfered with and issued threats to the complainant following the report. The prosecution further argued that there was a high likelihood those threats could be carried out if he were granted bail, and emphasized that the complainant is a young student.  Sutherland’s attorney, Leeroy Banner, countered that the alleged act was at the lower end of the spectrum for sexual assault and argued that his client was not a flight risk. He also suggested that bail conditions could be imposed to mitigate any concerns.  However, Senior Magistrate Dennison was not persuaded. Citing the seriousness of the allegations and the relationship between the accused and the complainant, the Magistrate denied bail and remanded Sutherland to the Belize Central Prison until May 14.  According to police reports, the complainant stated that she was picked up by Sutherland along the Philip Goldson Highway and later taken to various locations, including the Conch Bay area and Freetown Road. She reported that after refusing his advances, Sutherland allegedly held her and forcibly kissed her on the cheek. The complainant later exited the vehicle and reported the matter to police.  Sutherland retains the right to apply for bail at the High Court as the matter proceeds.