Last week the news was all about school bags but it seems none reached a Belize City father who stole two bags from a downtown shop. 50-year-old Elbert Meighan was convicted of theft and attempted theft.
On Friday, August 22, Meighan stole a $60 traveling bag from Laynez Shop on Cemetery Road. But when he returned the following day and attempted to steal a $60 camouflage school bag, his plan fell apart when the bag slipped from his hands-it had been tied down by the shopkeeper to prevent further theft. Police detained him on the spot.
After spending the weekend in lockdown, Meighan pleaded guilty to both charges. Magistrate Black noted that Meighan was a first-time offender, had pleaded guilty at an early stage, and had not wasted the court's time with a trial. He was fined $405 for theft and $305 for attempted theft, a total of $710, which must be paid by September 30. In default, he faces seven months in prison.
