Belize City police officer Phillip Garbutt, is facing criminal charges after he was allegedly caught on home surveillance footage assaulting his common-law wife and her 8-year-old son during a domestic dispute.
The 39 year old is attached to the Traffic Support Unit and was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate's Court this morning where he was arraigned on charges of aggravated assault, wounding, and harm. He pleaded not guilty to all three offenses.
According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday at a residence on Watermelon Street. The argument escalated when Garbutt allegedly choked and punched his common law bursting her upper lip. Police say her 8-year-old son intervened with an iron bat in an attempt to defend his mother. Garbutt allegedly took the bat away and slapped the child twice. The woman further reported that he later pointed the bat at her and threatened her. A doctor classified the woman's injuries as wounding and the child's injuries as harm. There was no objection to bail, and Garbutt was granted bail of $2,000 dollars. As part of his bail conditions, he must remain 25 feet away from the virtual complainant. He is due back in court on April 16, 2026.