Man Accused of Burglarizing Mother’s Home Remanded After Failing Bail

A 29-year-old Biscayne Village resident is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after being accused of burglarizing his own mother’s home.  Ashton A. Armstrong, a coconut maker and construction worker, appeared unrepresented this morning before a magistrate where he was arraigned on a single charge of burglary. Armstrong pleaded not guilty, telling the court that he lives in the upper flat of the house he is accused of burglarizing, which belongs to his mother.  Police allege that on Thursday, January 29, Armstrong entered the dwelling of his mother, Valnie Reyes, as a trespasser and stole household items valued at $153. The items reportedly included a Bluetooth speaker, two phone chargers, a surge protector, fluorescent bulbs, a hardcover American dictionary, and a bottle of vegetable oil.  The police prosecutor objected strongly to bail, citing the prevalence and seriousness of burglary offenses and arguing that the evidence against Armstrong is overwhelming. In response, Armstrong told the court that the house consists of two separate structures and that he resides in the upper portion, where his sister also lives. He further stated that relocating elsewhere while the case is before the court is not feasible.  After hearing submissions, the magistrate granted Armstrong bail in the sum of $2,000 with one surety of the same amount, subject to strict conditions. These include that he must not interfere with the virtual complainant, must remain at least 20 feet away from his mother, and must not interfere with any prosecution witnesses.  However, Armstrong was unable to meet the bail conditions by the end of the day and was therefore remanded to prison until April 2.  According to police facts, Reyes reported that she left her home secured on the morning of January 29 to go to work in Belize City. Later that morning, she received a call informing her that her son had allegedly entered the house without permission. Upon returning and conducting checks with police, she discovered that several items were missing. Those items were later found in the upstairs portion of the house where Armstrong resides, leading to his detention and subsequent charge.