Tardiness and unpaid fines land graphic designer in prison

Published by [email protected] at January 17, 2025

Posted: Friday, January 17, 2025. 9:23 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Rudolph Samuel Craig, a 25-year-old graphic designer of Electric Avenue, is spending his first night behind bars after being remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola. Craig’s ongoing issues with tardiness, missed court dates, and unpaid fines from a 2022 drug trafficking conviction culminated in his remand on Friday.

Craig arrived late to court once again this morning, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest. When he eventually appeared, he offered the explanation, “I was working,” but showed little remorse. His tardiness and unapologetic demeanor, coupled with an outstanding fine of $760, proved to be too much for the Chief Magistrate, who ordered his immediate remand.

Craig’s legal troubles date back to November 17, 2022, when he was intercepted by police outside his home with 116 grams of cannabis, which he claimed was meant for his birthday celebration. Charged with drug trafficking, Craig pleaded guilty the following day and was fined $750, which he was required to pay by February 28, 2023. However, the fine remains unpaid nearly two years later.

Adding to his woes, Craig faces two additional drug-related charges currently pending in court. To complicate matters further, his bail sureties have withdrawn their support, meaning Craig must secure new sureties by his next court appearance in February.

Before being escorted to prison, Craig expressed concern that his remand would likely cost him his job. His record of tardiness and noncompliance with court orders appears to have caught up with him, ensuring that his legal troubles will continue to dominate his immediate future.

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