Ladyville Man Gets Bail in Wounding Case Involving Father

A Ladyville resident accused of wounding his seventy-two-year-old father has been granted bail after spending more than two months on remand.  Joel Hamilton was released on bail of one thousand five hundred dollars, plus one surety in the same amount, after appearing before a senior magistrate in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court.  The court imposed several conditions intended to protect the complainant, Joseph Hamilton. The accused must not contact his father and must reside with his sister in the Spanish Town area of Ladyville. He cannot change his residence without first obtaining permission from the court.  Hamilton must also report to the Ladyville Police Station every Tuesday and Friday and must not be arrested and charged with another offence while on bail.  Hamilton is accused of wounding his father during a family dispute in June. He initially pleaded guilty with an explanation, but reportedly appeared uncertain after the prosecution’s allegations were read to him. Because he could not clearly confirm that he accepted the facts, the magistrate entered an equivocal plea of not guilty on his behalf.  Bail was initially denied after the prosecution raised concerns about the complainant’s age, safety and the fact that the men were living in the same household. Hamilton was consequently remanded to the Belize Central Prison.  During his latest appearance, Hamilton received seven pages of disclosure. His trial has been scheduled for October 8.