Lords Bank Man Remanded on Sexual Assault Charge Involving Minor

A 59-year-old resident of the Lords Bank area is behind bars tonight following allegations of sexual assault involving a 15-year-old minor, allegations that previously led to a domestic dispute and a conviction for harming his wife.  Enrique Gregorio Pook appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Mannon Dennison in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court at approximately 2:00 p.m. yesterday. He was read a single charge of sexual assault, to which he pleaded not guilty. Despite Pook’s plea, he was denied bail following heavy objection by the prosecution who raised serious concerns regarding the safety of the young victim.  Sergeant Smith submitted to the court that Pook resides in the same area as the minor and knows exactly where she lives, giving him direct access to her. Furthermore, the prosecutor highlighted the growing prevalence of sexual assault offenses currently flooding the court system and argued there was a strong likelihood that Pook would attempt to interfere with the victim if released.  When asked by the Senior Magistrate why he should be granted bail, Pook stated that he had been detained abruptly, leaving his house open and his belongings unsecured. He also noted that he assists his sister with delivering her food products and claimed he is still recovering from physical injuries, including a cut to his head requiring stitches and an injury to his inner left arm.  Senior Magistrate Dennison upheld the prosecution’s objections, denying bail to Pook in the first instance. He has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison until August 6.  The sexual assault allegations against Pook initially came to light a week ago during a separate court appearance. Pook had been arraigned and pleaded guilty to harming his wife. According to police reports, his wife had confronted him after discovering he had inappropriately touched a minor, which led to Pook physically assaulting her.  For that offense, Pook was spared jail time and instead given a non-custodial sentence, a fine of $1,200 plus $5.00 in court costs. He was granted until September 11, to pay the amount or face two months of imprisonment. While he still has three months and a day left to satisfy that financial penalty, he will now await his next court date from behind bars.  The formal report against Pook was filed on Thursday, June 4, 2026, when the 15-year-old victim, accompanied by her 35-year-old mother, visited the police station.  According to the minor, the incident occurred on Monday, June 1, at around 1:10 p.m. while she was washing dishes at a residence. She stated that Pook, whom she knew, stared at her for a few moments before offering her money. When she refused, Pook allegedly approached her and attempted to touch her inappropriately.  The minor pulled away, causing Pook to briefly step outside. However, he returned shortly after, began behaving inappropriately through his pants, and made crude solicitations that left her highly uncomfortable. When she attempted to walk away, Pook reportedly grabbed her by the waist and sexually assaulted her.  Pook, who was wanted by authorities in connection with the investigation, was detained by police early Tuesday morning and formally charged.