A 22-year-old Belize City bartender and part-time wash-man has been fined after admitting to an aggravated assault that a Senior Magistrate said would have been considered a hate crime in the United States.
Jaheem Denmark Dougal, who was employed at Shisha's Club, pleaded guilty in Belize City Magistrate's Court to assaulting 37-year-old taxi driver Alexander Mejia with a pint bottle during an incident on July 3.
Mejia reported that while shopping at T&W Store at the corner of East Collet Canal and Vernon Street, he was confronted by three men he had known for about five years. One of them called him a homophobic slur and threatened him. The trio then followed him to Lindo's Alley, where one of the men attempted to strike him with pint bottles.
After Mejia reported the incident, police reviewed surveillance footage, and police identified Dougal as the individual who raised the bottle. The court imposed a non-custodial sentence, fining Dougal $805, payable by September 30, 2026, or three months' imprisonment in default.
