Man Fined for Smashing Girlfriend’s Car Window in Belize City

A man has been convicted of damaging his girlfriend’s car during a domestic dispute and ordered to pay fines and compensation. Thirty-year-old Joel Saavedra, a server, appeared in court today and pleaded guilty to one count of damage to property. The charge stems from an incident this morning where he broke the back passenger window of a 2009 Nissan Altima, valued at $400, belonging to his girlfriend, 30-year-old Rebecca Whittaker. Whittaker reported that an argument erupted after Saavedra returned home under the influence of alcohol. She heard a loud bang and found her car’s window broken, with Saavedra nearby holding his helmet. Magistrate Ludlow Black ordered Saavedra to pay a $300 fine plus a $5 court fee, in addition to $400 in compensation to Whittaker for the damage. All payments are due by September 30.