63-Year-Old Man Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Boy

A Northside Belize City resident is heading back to prison after changing his plea and admitting to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy earlier this year. Sixty-three-year-old Glenford Herman Arnold, from the Pickstock Hutment area, appeared in Magistrate’s Court this week where he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault. Arnold was initially arraigned back on February 18 on charges of sexual assault and common assault against the young boy. At that time, he pleaded not guilty to the sexual assault charge, claiming he never touched the boy inappropriately, but pleaded guilty to common assault, admitting he assaulted the boy during an altercation. Due to a previous sexual assault conviction from 2023, Arnold was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison. However, during his court appearance this week, Arnold reversed his earlier stance and pleaded guilty to the sexual assault charge. The sitting Magistrate sentenced Arnold to 12 months and 25 days for the sexual assault. For the common assault charge, to which he had already pleaded guilty, he received a three-month sentence. The Magistrate noted that because Arnold has been on remand since February, the three months for common assault is considered time served. However, Arnold must now serve the remaining 12 months and 25 days for the sexual assault conviction. Details of the incident emerged from a police report filed in early February. A neighbour reported hearing a commotion around 7:45 AM and seeing Arnold pulling the 12-year-old boy, who was yelling to be left alone. The neighbour shouted at Arnold, who eventually let the boy go. According to the boy’s statement, shortly after, while he was fixing his mother’s screen door with a hammer, Arnold returned and allegedly asked him if he wanted to have sex. The boy said no, at which point Arnold reportedly touched him on his chest and buttocks, making him feel uncomfortable. Glenford Herman Arnold now has just under 13 months left to serve behind bars.