Education Ministry Clerk Charged in Domestic Dispute Case

48-year-old, Esmond Austin, a Second-Class Clerk at the Ministry of Education and a resident of #75 Banak Street, Belize City, is accused of common assault.

This week. Austin appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Mannon Dennison in Court #6, where he was read two criminal offenses: one count of common assault upon Natalie Grant and one count of damage to property for a $350 wooden door, property of Natalie Grant.

 The incident is said to have occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Lords Bank Village. Austin pleaded not guilty to both charges, and with no objection to bail, the Prosecutor only sought conditions for his bail.

Magistrate Dennison inquired if the charges stem from a domestic on which the Prosecutor said was as a result of a domestic and so while Austin was offered bail in the sum of $2,000 plus one surety of the same amount, his bail conditions where he must stay 100 yards from the v/c; he is not to interfere with the v/c or any members of her family or any other Prosecution witnesses.

   According to Austin, he and the virtual complainant do not live at the same location.

   Edmond Austin posted bail by the afternoon. The next court date is set for December 30, 2025.