Today, there was a terrifying incident in Punta Gorda Magistrate's Court where a sitting magistrate was attacked.
Magistrate Sashawna Jody-Ann Thompson, a Jamaican national currently working as the Magistrate for the Toledo District was targeted in a physical attack today.
A defendant leaped out of the dock and went after the Magistrate with an electric fan. Police bolted into action and a handful of them managed to subdue the man - who also assaulted the officers. The Magistrate - according to best reports - did not receive any significant injury.
The perpetrator is said to be mentally unstable - and was in court being arraigned. He is reportedly from Silk Grass - and has faced charges before.
All cases in that court today were adjourned until further notice.
Thompson was called to the Bar in Belize just 12 days ago.
7News has learnt that for some time now Magistrates have vocalized their concerns regarding inadequate security at the district courts. We are told district magistrates basically are basically in charge of their own security, despite receiving casual threats.
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