Trio Sentenced in Scotia Bank Robbery

Tonight, three men convicted of the 2020 Scotia Bank Belama branch robbery were sentenced in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court.  This morning, Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola handed down sentences for Anthony Barrow, Jason McKenzie, and Leon Westby. These three, along with George Meighan, were convicted last Friday for their roles in the armed robbery that took place on July 2, 2020. The men faced a slew of charges, including robbery, aggravated assault against police officer Robert Sutherland, firearm and ammunition possession, and damage to property. Notably, police officer Robert Parchue, who was also reportedly fired upon, did not testify, resulting in acquittals on those charges. The Chief Magistrate began by addressing the robbery charge for which Anthony Barrow received 12 years, Jason McKenzie – 10 years, and Leon Westby – 7 years. These sentences are to run consecutively with other sentences. Time spent on remand was deducted from these robbery sentences. For aggravated assault against PC Robert Sutherland, Barrow received 10 months, McKenzie 8 months, and Westby 6 months, to run concurrently with their robbery sentences. Barrow also received an additional year for damaging the ATM. On the firearm and ammunition charges, Barrow received multiple 10-year sentences, while McKenzie and Westby received varying terms, including 6 and 3-year sentences, with some to run concurrently and others consecutively. In total, Anthony Barrow was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months, Jason McKenzie to 12 years, and Leon Westby to 9 years. George Meighan’s sentencing was delayed until March 6. Attorney Ronell Gonzalez, representing Westby, pleaded for leniency, citing Westby’s first-time offender status and his newborn child. However, the Chief Magistrate emphasized the severity of the crime, particularly the use of firearms and the danger posed to police officers. She noted Barrow’s prior firearm convictions as a significant aggravating factor.