Sentencing Delayed for Trio Involved in Bank Robbery

The sentencing hearing for three men convicted in connection with a bank robbery has been adjourned until tomorrow, as the court awaits a Social Inquiry Report (SIR). Jason McKenzie, Leon Westby, and George Meighan, appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court today; however, the report had not been delivered as instructed by Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola. The report is for George Meighan, who was 17 at the time of the robbery. Sentencing guidelines require that Meighan’s age be considered during sentencing. The Chief Magistrate explained that robbery convictions carry a minimum of five years, potentially up to ten, and similar terms apply to firearm and ammunition offenses. The men were initially charged with robbery, multiple counts of aggravated assault, firearm and ammunition offenses, and damage to property. After the trial, all four were acquitted of most charges, except for robbery, firearm and ammunition offenses, and one count of aggravated assault. George Meighan was also found not guilty of damage to property. During mitigation, Attorney Ronell Gonzalez, representing Leon Westby, requested a suspended sentence, citing Westby’s status as a first-time offender and a new father. Westby’s aunt testified to his good character. McKenzie, who recently pleaded guilty to murder in a separate case, asked for leniency, mentioning his role as a prison facilitator and teacher. Meighan, also a first-time offender and father, pleaded for consideration of his age and his role as his child’s sole provider. His father and the child’s mother testified on his behalf, emphasizing his responsibilities. The brazen daylight robbery of the Scotia Bank Belama Branch in July 2020 saw $34,000 stolen. The incident also resulted in a violent shootout with police, leading to the death of one suspect Gasman Young. There was a fifth man, Anthony Barrow, charged in connection with the incident, but he is believed to have absconded to the United States. Barrow was found guilty in his absence.