‘Always have my knife because yuh neva know’: Belize City man fined $155 after police find 4-inch knife in waistband at 4 a.m.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 58-year-old Belize City man was fined $155 after pleading guilty to possession of an article with a blade when police allegedly found him riding a bicycle with a four-inch knife tucked into his waistband in the early morning hours.

Basil Willis, a car washer of Black Orchid Street, appeared unrepresented before a Senior Magistrate, where he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Police say Willis was spotted riding along Mahogany Street at approximately 4:50 a.m. on Friday, September 4, when officers on mobile patrol approached him.

According to the prosecution’s account, an officer noticed Willis move a hand from the bicycle handle toward his waist, where police subsequently found a knife with a four-inch cutting edge.

Police say that after being informed of the offence, Willis told officers: “I always have my knife on me because yuh neva know.”

In court, Willis disputed the officer’s claim that he had reached toward his waist when police approached him, telling the Senior Magistrate, “Dat dah nuh really deh truth.” He nevertheless admitted that he had the knife and said he did not want to waste the court’s time by contesting the matter.

The Magistrate accepted his guilty plea and imposed a fine of $150 plus $5 cost of court. Willis has until October 30, 2026, to pay the $155 or face one month in prison in default.

Under Belize’s Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act, a person may commit an offence by having a bladed or sharply pointed article in a public place between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The law exempts folding pocket knives with cutting edges not exceeding three inches and also provides a defence where a person can show the item was being carried for work, lawful authority or another good reason.

Willis’ knife was reported to have a four-inch cutting edge.

The post ‘Always have my knife because yuh neva know’: Belize City man fined $155 after police find 4-inch knife in waistband at 4 a.m. appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.