PC Luke Moreira Denied Bail, Remanded to Belize Central Prison

Luke Moreira

While there was no question that Moreira would be charged today, there was some question as to whether he would be granted bail. This afternoon, the young police constable appeared before the Magistrate, in the company of his attorney Leroy Banner. We spoke to Banner via phone following the arraignment.

Leroy Banner, Attorney for Luke Moreira

“He was taken before Magistrate Hoare today where we made an application for him to be granted bail. Under the Crime Control Act he is eligible for bail, but the magistrate refused to grant him bail. The case was adjourned and he was remanded to prison until the nineteenth of January 2016. The next step now is to try and get Supreme Court bail for him.”

Reporter

“Would you be able to give us any indication at this time about the allegations that are being made against him?”

Leroy Banner

“I can’t go too much into that but there was an incident which took place at the San Ignacio Police Station and our client is denying to the full extent.”

Leroy Banner

Reporter

“Would you be able to give us an idea of his demeanour at this time? These are very serious charges against him.”

Leroy Banner

“Well he is very shaken because as I say he maintains his innocence and he is only twenty-one years old, the first time before the Court. He’s never been arrested before. Imagine being arrested for the first time for a serious offence like this? It’s definitely taking a heavy toll on him.”

Police Constable Luke Moreira graduated from the Police Training Academy in May 2015 and was assigned to San Ignacio. He had recently received a citation from that formation, designated Officer of the Month.