Yesterday, we brought you the plight of Luanna Gillett, who served in the police department for ten years until she was sexually assaulted two years ago. Though she has been trying to fight her case, she has yet to get justice. And she told us that she hadn't even gotten support from the department she served.
Today we asked staff officer ASP Stacy Smith about it.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"I would firstly like to empathize with the frustration of Miss Gillett, I am very familiar with Miss Gillett and also place on record that there is no desire on the department's part or there has been no attempt on the department's part to frustrate the course of having Miss Gillet's matter being duly adjudicated. As you have stated in so far as it relates to the department, when the matter was known, Mr. Dawson was arraigned before a tribunal. He went through the tribunal process at the end of which he was convicted and his dismissal was recommended. Mr. Dawson appealed that dismissal and the legal office of the department reviewed the notes of evidence and found that the decision of the adjudicator was summed in law and the recommendation for his dismissal was upheld. Mr. Dawson further appealed to the Belize Advisory Council and similarly the adjudicators of that council found that the tribunal that was held was sound and his conviction was safe."
"As it relates to the statements made by Miss Gillett in terms of the adjournment, I can confirm that indeed there were adjournments, but as you would know, the ultimate decision as it relates to the granting of adjournment lies in the purview of the court. I can also say that I've been advised by the officers attached to the prosecution branch in that location that the matter had started as back in July of 2026. However, at that time, Miss Gillett indicated that counsel for the defendant was someone who she had had discussions with pertaining to the case. So she was of the view that he was privy to information which may be used against her. It was a sound objection and the court ultimately sided with a recusal of the defense counsel in that case and that too caused the lay and another adjournment because Mr. Dawson had to seek another attorney. So as I said, certainly in matters of this type, I know that victims are not able to get the extent of healing that they need until the matter is fully adjudicated. And we are cognizant of that and we do our very best as it relates to all matters of these nature to ensure that they are adjudicated timely and that they are given the attention that is needed."
We also reached out to the ComPol via text yesterday. He answered after news time and said, quote, "We fully acknowledge the frustration experienced by victims when judicial processes extend beyond anticipated timelines, however, the pace at which a case progresses through the courts is not within the purview of the Police Department. Court scheduling, adjournments, and legal arguments are matters reserved for the Belize Judiciary and the legal representatives involved. Consequently, it is inaccurate to suggest that the police possesses the authority to either delay or expedite a matter once it is before the court." End quote.
