Man Convicted of Sexual Assault Twice Released on Bail

A Ladyville man convicted of sexually assaulting a twelve-year-old girl in April 2022 is back out on his old bail, despite the prosecutor’s objections. This morning, in the presence of Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington, the magistrate found 51-year-old Eric Allen guilty and detained him for sentencing at 2 PM. However, the sentencing was delayed when the court received a letter from his attorney, who was occupied with a High Court matter. The Senior Magistrate noted that typically, someone convicted of such a serious charge would be remanded to Belize Central Prison pending sentencing. However, Allen requested consideration for his medical condition, claiming he suffers from high blood pressure and seizures and needs medication twice daily. The prosecutor objected, citing the severity of the offense and the risk of Allen fleeing due to the potential jail time. After considering all factors, the Senior Magistrate decided that since Allen had consistently appeared in court while on bail and due to his medical condition, he would be allowed to go home. Allen was ordered to return to court on Monday, December 2, 2024, for sentencing. During the trial, Allen took the stand and denied the allegations, claiming the girl was lying.