In November of 2010 when a drug plane was intercepted on the Southern Highway with over two tonnes of cocaine - it was one of the most dramatic moments in Belize's history.
Six men - four of them cops - were charged for "abetment of the importation of cocaine"- and 15 years later the High Court has said they should go home free. And it's not because they have served their time; it's because of the inordinate delay in having their case heard.
For those 15 years, the case wended through the courts - stuck on one delay after the other, and the accused have never had a full trial for the crime they are accused of. And now - in a constitutional claim brought on their behalf by by attorney Leeroy Banner - Justice Derrick Sylvestre has concluded, quote, "That…it is an unassailable fact that the Claimants' right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time guaranteed under...the Constitution of Belize has been breached….especially considering that their first instance trial has not been completed."
And, in a 61 page judgement issued today, Sylvester declared, quote, "The Court orders that all further Criminal proceedings in the matter of the Claimants in indictments #S9 of 2016 are permanently stayed."
That means they will be released from custody after almost 15 years in prison since they no longer have any criminal proceedings to face. We were unable to get comment from their attorney. It also means no one will be convicted for this major drug plane landing which shocked the society.
The formerly accused are former police Sergeant JACINTO ROCHES, police corporal RENEL GRANT, police sergeant LAWRENCE HUMES, police corporal NELSON MIDDLETON, customs Boatman, HAROLD USHER and civilian VICTOR LOGAN.
