A 31 year old construction worker today appeared in magistrate's court to answer to charges of carnal knowledge, but he threw a curve-ball that stunned court observers. Marcus Ifield of a South Street address in Belize City appeared before Chief Magistrate Herbert Lord to answer to the charge for allegedly having sexual relations with a 13 year old girl in December of 2001. In his defense, Ifield had taken measures to protect and in fact legitimize his actions. In court he pulled out a marriage certificate in which he claims to be the husband of the 13 year old. The certificate, says Ifield, is signed by the child's mother. When asked if the document had been duly registered Ifield said it had. Still, Chief Magistrate Lord told Ifield that the document on which he bases his defense is null and void because under Belize's law a person under 15 years cannot be married. Lord also said that the parents of the child who signed the certificate could be arrested for aiding and abetting. Bail of 4 thousand dollars was granted. The case was adjourned until August 29th.

Tags Herbert Lord Belize City