Honduran National Remanded After Courtroom Outburst Raises Mental Health Concerns

A 37-year-old Honduran national accused of aggravated assault could not be arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court today after his behaviour raised serious concerns about his mental state.  The accused, Harold Palma, was brought to court shortly after 10 a.m. for arraignment. However, the proceedings were disrupted when Palma repeatedly spoke out of turn, used profanity, and made incoherent statements, preventing the charge from being read and a plea from being taken.  When questioned by the sitting Magistrate, Palma was able to state his name, age, and nationality, explaining that he is Honduran and has lived in Belize since he was 11 years old. He told the court he has no fixed address, claiming instead that he lives “by the jungle.”  As the Magistrate attempted to assess his mental condition, Palma became increasingly agitated, stating repeatedly that he wanted to return to prison, referring to it as “home.” When asked about his occupation or whether anyone could care for him, he gave erratic responses, including claims of drug use and gang involvement, and continued shouting in court despite repeated instructions to calm down.  Due to his behaviour, the Magistrate explained that he would be remanded to the Belize Central Prison pending a psychiatric evaluation to determine his fitness to stand trial. Palma again shouted that he wanted to return to prison and did not wish to leave.  No plea was entered, and the charge was not read because of his apparent mental instability. Palma is scheduled to return to court on March 23, pending the outcome of the psychiatric report.  According to police, the incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. when a female police officer observed a shirtless man at a bus stop brandishing a knife and pushing it toward members of the public.  Police say that when PC Wade approached the man, later identified as Palma, he allegedly pulled the knife on her, became aggressive, and threatened to kill officers and civilians. During the confrontation, Palma reportedly assaulted the officer and continued acting in a disorderly and violent manner.  Police allege that PC Wade was forced to use her government-issued firearm to assist in disarming Palma. He was subsequently escorted to Precinct 1 Police Station, where his identity was confirmed and he was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer using a deadly instrument.  Palma’s case comes amid a growing number of accused persons whose court proceedings have been delayed due to mental health concerns. Earlier this week, two other men, 27-year-old Kareem Anderson and Richard Cherrington, were also remanded to the Belize Central Prison after the court ordered psychiatric evaluations. In both cases, pleas could not be taken and the charges were not read due to their apparent mental state.  Court officials say proceedings in all three matters will remain on hold pending medical assessments.