They are among the most notorious gang figures in Belize, often targeted by other gangs and sometimes by police - and perhaps that is why the Meighan brothers, Ellis and Tyrone were heading north, into Mexico.
But, they were strung up by law enforcement there for illegal entry and deported from Quintana Roo, Mexico, and sent back to the Belize border into the waiting custody of the GI3.
They were detained over the weekend and taken to court today on the strength of a bench warrant that was pending for not appearing in the Belize City Magistrate's Court for allegedly being a member of a gang.
But, their attorney Norman Rodriguez called it a prosecution by ambush - since his clients had not received any kind of disclosure. Here's how he explained it outside the courtroom:
Norman Rodriguez, Attorney for Meighan's
"You really want me to tell you what the prosecution attempted to do, I would say ambush, but because as far as I know when someone is brought in on a bench warrant, it is by the order of the magistrate and that person has to justify his absence to the magistrate for that bench warrant to be removed. In this case the prosecution brought an application saying that the magistrate should remand these two young men to the Hattieville prison until their trial date. That is the essence of the application and he is saying that section of the law provides for the magistrate and the application is being made. It hasn't been completed as yet, because the prosecution has been given a chance to disclose. I find it very strange that disclosure or at least they would attempt to disclose documents that they should have disclosed before this hearing or application. This matter has been before the court for I believe over 2 years and my instructions are that these 2 brothers have always appeared. They have no reason to run away. The brothers believe that they are being treated unfairly, because the intention was not to run away. We know the Meighan brothers, the whole country knows the Meighan brothers, maybe we have perception of them, but in this specific instance I can tell you that I believe these young men that they were not running away from this charge."
They were remanded to the Raccoon Street station today and the hearing continues tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.
For now the Meighan brothers remain in lock down at the Raccoon Street Police Station under heavy guard.
Two other persons, a female and another male along with the Meighan brothers were also handed over to police on Friday after being caught for illegal entry.
