Teen Deckhand Remanded Over Alleged Rape of American Tourist in Placencia

A 19-year-old deckhand from Independence Village is behind bars after being accused of raping an American tourist on the Placencia Peninsula.  Devan Paul Thomas was arraigned yesterday before Senior Magistrate Mannon Dennison in the Independence Magistrate’s Court, where he was read a single charge of rape. Due to the nature of the offence, no plea was taken and Thomas appeared unrepresented.  The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds of public interest, and the court upheld that objection. Thomas was subsequently denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison. He is scheduled to return to court on June 29, when disclosure is expected to be served.  According to police reports, the complainant is a 28-year-old American national who was visiting Belize. She reported to the Placencia Police Station that the incident occurred late Friday night, April 24, sometime around 11:30 p.m.  The woman told investigators that she had been socializing earlier at a local establishment in Placencia Village with a man she had met during a daytime tour. She says the individual later offered to assist her back to her accommodation.  However, while walking through a dark beachside alley, the situation reportedly turned violent. The complainant alleges that she was pushed to the ground, choked, and sexually assaulted. She further reported losing consciousness during the attack and later regaining awareness while the assault was ongoing.  A medical examination was conducted, and a doctor certified that the woman had been sexually assaulted, noting injuries consistent with wounding.  Police say Thomas, who resides on Flamboyant Street in Independence Village, was detained shortly after the report was made and later formally charged.