Belizean Court Rejects British Soldier’s Immunity Claims

The Appeals Court in Belize has ruled that British soldier Perry Stratford must face criminal charges for allegedly assaulting and abducting his wife-to-be, Gabriela Vanutterbeeck, on Christmas Eve in December 2022.

In December 2023, Supreme Court Judge Ricardo Sandcroft ruled that Stratford could not be tried in Belize. His reason was that the local justice system had no jurisdiction over him due to his military status.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appealed Sandcroft’s decision, arguing that the treaty does not apply in this case since Stratford was not attached to the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) at the time of the incident. The appeals court agreed.

Stratford is currently outside Belize and is not expected to return to face the charges.