Busted by cop in house during burglary, he says he’s innocent

Also in court, a burglary case against a thirty-four year old Belize City resident ended in a five year prison sentence. Lionel McCleary, a resident of Booths Crescent was caught by a cop hiding inside the home of Lennox Steven back in October of 2011.  Today he was found guilty of burglarizing and stealing several items including a silver chain and two DVD players valued seven hundred and seventy-five dollars.

According to the police officer, around twelve noon on the day of the incident, he was passing by Steven’s home, who he knew was not there.   He saw a bicycle parked beside the house, which prompted him to search the area. He then realized that the home was burglarized.   He found McCleary hiding inside the attic of the house. Upon returning home, Stevens made a report of the stolen items, but they were never recovered by police. And despite all the evidence against McCleary, he nevertheless maintained that he was innocent of the crime.