Another man who was free after paying a fine, was sentenced to jail time today.
An appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the sentencing of 39 year old Albert Garbutt Jr, who was convicted of dangerous harm and fined seven thousand dollars, was allowed today by Belize Court of Appeal.
Garbutt's sentence was set aside and instead of a fine, a sentence of 2 years was imposed. Garbutt had already paid the fine so Belize Court of Appeal ordered that the money be returned to him.
On August 31, 2009, Garbutt was found not guilty of attempted murder but guilty of dangerous harm. The DPP's appeal was on the ground that the sentence was too lenient, given the severity of the offence. Garbutt had stabbed Evan Gillett who was living with Garbutt's estranged wife. The incident occurred shortly after 9pm on July 4th 2005 at 7 Trio Street, Belmopan, where Gillett was living with Garbutt's wife and her children. Garbutt had gone to the house that night to see his sons. Gillett left when Garbutt arrived. As Gillett stepped into the house when he returned he was stabbed several times by Garbutt. One of the stab wounds to his back was life threatening.
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