The American tourist alleged to have been roughed up yesterday by Tourist Village police officers, had her day in court today. But after arguing her case in front of Magistrate Roberto Ordonez for almost an hour, the 41 year old businesswoman is leaving the country with a bitter taste in her mouth, and, it's not from the suspected marijuana she is alleged to have swallowed. Chrystal Poyner was found guilty of Obstruction and fined Two Hundred and Fifty dollars, after the Magistrate dismissed two other charges, one for harm and the other for resisting arrest.
Poyner made the news yesterday, after she was arrested in the Tourist Village and got into a scuffle with the arresting officers. Amateur video captured the moment when two Police officers, a male and a female, struggled in their attempt to cuff Poyner. The officers, WPC Yadira Jones and Special Constable Arturo Flowers alleged that Poyner was approached after she was observed associating with a suspected drug dealer.
Poyner is alleged to have removed suspected cannabis from her pants pocket and stuffed it in her mouth. The officers said it was in an attempt to remove the cannabis from Poyner's mouth and also to apply handcuffs, that triggered the struggle. Poyner did not display any visible injuries or bruises as a result of the incident. The court taking into consideration that Poyner is a tourist and not to prolong HER misery at the Queen street police station lockup, offered to accommodate her transport immediately to an ATM, so she could pay her fine. We tried getting a comment from Poyner on her way from the court to the ATM, but this is all we got.
Jim McFadzean
"Tell us about the judgment today; are you satisfied with the judgment?"
Chrystal Poyner
"No, No"
Jim McFadzean
"Are you satisfied? Is this a bad experience for you?" "Ms. Poyner a comment, Ms. Poyner how do you feel about the judges' ruling today?"
"Ms. Poyner you can comment if you want, you have a right to comment tell us, comment on the decision made by the judge today. Will you come back to Belize?"
"How is your visit to Belize Ms. Poyner? No comment?"
At news time, we still can't confirm if Poyner was able to pay the 250 dollar fine, and whether she intends on extending her stay in the country, since, so to speak, her ship has sailed.
