Convicted Burglar Lester Smith On Trial for Theft and Escape

Lester Smith, 37, charged with theft and escape began his defense today in the #5 Magistrate's Court. Smith allegedly stole 8 towels from a clothesline at a residence in Bootsville at around 2:00 a.m. on March 11. Shortly after the theft the Police on mobile patrol found Smith with towels on his shoulder at the corner of Raccoon Street Extension and Pen Road. Smith was riding a bicycle and the towels were still damp. Police put Smith into their vehicle to take him to Queen Street Police Station. While they were taking Smith he jumped out of the Police vehicle when it reached the foot of the Swing Bridge.

Smith ran through Duck Lane and on to Church Street and he was apprehended at the corner of Church Street and East Canal Street. In his defense Smith testified and denied he committed the theft. He claimed that he was on his way home coming from work at his sister's nightclub on Faber's Road Extension when he met Robert Flowers aka "Toadman" with the towels. Smith said Flowers sold him the towels for $10. Smith said he has one witness, his wife, but she recently had an operation. Consequently Magistrate Albert Hoare adjourned the trial until January 27, 2011.

Smith is currently serving a 5 year sentence for burglary.

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Source: The Belize Times