Old fines land Belama man in jail after giving cops fake name and trying to bribe police with $40

Posted: Tuesday, August 20, 2024. 9:24 am CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Belama resident Phillip McKenzie, 40, finds himself behind bars despite receiving fines for his latest offenses. McKenzie, a Green Street resident, appeared before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola in Court #1 on Monday, where he faced charges of committing a mischievous act and attempting to bribe a police officer.

On Friday, August 16, 2024, McKenzie gave police a false name, identifying himself as “Alfredo Smith” during a search. Although nothing incriminating was found on McKenzie, his deception was uncovered when he later confessed his true identity.

In a desperate bid to avoid charges, McKenzie attempted to bribe another officer by offering him two $20 bills in exchange for persuading the other cop to drop the mischievous act charge. However, the bribe failed, leading to McKenzie’s arrest.

McKenzie pleaded guilty to both charges in court and received two non-custodial sentences. He was fined $100, plus a $5 court fee, for the mischievous act, with a payment deadline of September 19, 2024, or face one month in jail. For attempting to bribe an officer, he was fined $500, plus a $5 court fee, due by October 30, 2024, or face five months in jail.

Despite these fines, McKenzie was sent to jail due to outstanding fines from previous convictions and a civil matter. Police have noted that McKenzie is no stranger to the law, with a history of run-ins with the authorities.

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