Sexual Assault Victim Frustrated as Dawson’s Case Drags

Tonight, police are responding to concerns about delays in the criminal case against former officer Durman Dawson, who is accused of sexually assaulting a colleague inside the San Ignacio Police Station. The incident was caught on camera and led to his arrest and dismissal, but repeated court adjournments have frustrated the victim. Staff Officer Stacy Smith says the department has already disciplined Dawson and that some of the holdups stem from legal issues raised during the hearings.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“When the matter was known, Mr. Dawson was arraigned before a tribunal. He went through the tribunal process at the end of which he was convicted and his dismissal was recommended. Mr. Dawson appealed that dismissal and the legal office of the department reviewed the notes of evidence and found that the decision of the adjudicator was sound in law and the recommendation for his dismissal was upheld. Mr. Dawson further appealed to the Belize Advisory Council and similarly, the adjudicators of that council found that the tribunal that was held was sound and his conviction was safe. I can also say that I’ve been advised by the officers attached to the prosecution branch in that location that the matter had started as back in July of 2026; however, at that time Ms. Gillett indicated that counsel for the defendant was someone who she had discussions with pertaining to the case. So she was of the view that he was privy to information which may be used against her. It was a sound objection and the court ultimately sided with recusal of the defense counsel in that case, and that too caused delay and another adjournment because Mr. Dawson had to seek another attorney.”

 

Police say they’ve already done their part by removing Dawson from the department, while the courts work through the legal delays that continue to frustrate his accuser.

 

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