Tonight a fisherman is on remand for kissing an 18-year-old girl on her cheek without her consent. He is 34-year-old Oliver Sutherland, who pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual assault. The victim, who is also a student, told police that on Monday, March 23 Sutherland picked her up from off the Phillip Goldson Highway and - after a circle - asked her for a kiss. She refused but he forcefully pulled her head closer to his and kissed her on her left cheek. The victim then escaped from the vehicle by jumping out in front of Leo Bradley Library and went to make her report at the Queen Street police station. Sutherland was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate's Court to appear before senior magistrate Mannon Dennison. The prosecutor objected to bail upon receiving credible information that Sutherland had sent threats to the victim and argued that granting bail would put the victim at risk. Sutherland's attorney Leeroy Banner, submitted to the court that his client could be given bail with conditions which he would abide by. But the senior magistrate was not convinced. Sutherland was remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until May 14th.

Tags Oliver Sutherland Leo Bradley Library Belize City Magistrate's Court Mannon Dennison Queen Street Police Station