Burrell Boom man fined $2,000 for breaking into Fresh Pond house while 13-year-old girl was at home; He didn’t steal anything – Girl locked herself in room

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Burrell Boom resident has avoided imprisonment after pleading guilty to burglarizing a woman’s home while her 13-year-old daughter was inside.

Christopher Smith Jr. was fined $2,000, along with $5 in court costs, when he appeared for sentencing in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 20. He must pay the fine by November 15, 2026, or serve six months in prison.

Smith had pleaded guilty to burglary on July 17 and was remanded until sentencing.

The court heard that on May 5, the homeowner left her daughter doing homework inside their Fresh Pond Community residence while she briefly visited her mother. During that time, Smith allegedly damaged a lock and entered through the rear of the house.

The frightened child later called her mother and reported seeing a man standing outside her bedroom door. He reportedly said “hello” before leaving. The girl locked herself inside the room and was found crying when her mother returned.

Nothing was stolen, and no one was physically harmed.

In determining the sentence, the Senior Magistrate considered the minimal property damage, Smith’s early guilty plea and the apparent lack of planning. A starting fine of $3,300 was reduced because he had no previous burglary conviction and received a further one-third discount for pleading guilty.

Smith previously faced two murder charges in connection with a double killing in Hattieville, but the charges against him were withdrawn in November 2025. Two other accused men remain before the court.

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