Hattieville Accountant Remanded on Domestic Violence Charges

An accountant from Hattieville is tonight on remand at the Belize Central Prison following a domestic dispute that police say escalated into violence and threats with a weapon.  Thirty-nine-year-old Mikael Sosa was taken before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court late this afternoon where he was arraigned on two criminal charges: one count of harm and one count of aggravated assault with a dangerous instrument, namely a Sig Sauer-style M17 CO₂ powered semi-automatic air pistol.  Sosa, who was represented by attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington, pleaded not guilty to both charges.  During the hearing, the prosecution objected to bail, arguing that the seriousness of the incident warranted his continued detention.  Elrington countered that the offences were not brought under the Firearms Act and therefore his client was entitled to bail, adding that Sosa is not a flight risk and would comply with any court-imposed conditions.  However, Senior Magistrate Mannon Dennison denied bail, citing concerns over domestic violence and the close proximity between the accused and his wife. The magistrate indicated that the issue of bail should instead be decided by the High Court.  As a result, Sosa was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until April 17, while his attorney has indicated he will apply for bail at a higher court.  Police say the charges stem from an incident at the couple’s Hattieville home. The complainant reported that she discovered a locked chat conversation on her husband’s laptop involving another woman. When confronted, an argument allegedly broke out between the pair which escalated into a struggle over the computer.  The woman told investigators that after his cellphone fell and broke during the altercation, Sosa allegedly punched her in the face, causing visible injuries later observed by a doctor.  She further alleged that he then pulled out the compressed carbon-dioxide gas powered air pistol, pointed it at her face, and threatened to kill her , leaving her in fear for her life.  The matter returns to court on April 17.