Sandhill woman remanded after being granted bail and never showing up again; may face attempted arson charge

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Sandhill Village woman is back behind bars after the Chief Magistrate revoked her bail for repeatedly failing to appear in court, while police are also reportedly considering an additional attempted arson charge against her.

Thirty-year-old Francine Milligan appeared in Court #1 on Monday after being picked up last Friday on a bench warrant issued for her non-appearance in an ongoing damage-to-property case.

Milligan was unable to provide the court with a satisfactory explanation for why she had failed to return for her case after being granted bail, and the Chief Magistrate subsequently revoked that bail and remanded her to the Belize Central Prison.

She is due back in court on Thursday, October 8, when she is expected to receive disclosure in the damage-to-property matter.

During Monday’s appearance, Milligan was also informed that police may bring an additional charge of attempted arson in connection with an alleged incident involving her neighbour’s property. If that charge is ready by Thursday, she could be arraigned during her next court appearance.

The original case dates back to September 2025 and involves Milligan’s neighbour and relative.

According to police allegations, on September 1, 2025, Milligan went onto the woman’s property at Mile 19 on the Philip Goldson Highway in Sandhill Village and became involved in a confrontation with the woman and her husband.

The complainant alleged that Milligan told them to move out of the house, insulted them and, before leaving the property, broke a palm tree valued at $60.

Police said the woman also reported previous disputes and alleged threats involving Milligan.

Milligan was later detained on September 13 and arraigned on September 18, 2025, for damage to property.

Public reporting from the time confirms that Milligan was initially granted bail but was subsequently sent to prison following an outburst during her court appearance.

She was later released on bail again, subject to conditions that included staying away from the complainant and her property. The court was told Monday that further complaints have since been made against Milligan, raising concerns that she may also have breached those bail conditions.

The Chief Magistrate told Milligan that her failure to attend court and the alleged breaches left the court with no option but to revoke her bail.

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