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18 year-old Robert Varella, a Belize City food vendor, is on remand tonight after he was taken to Magistrate's Court for allegedly stalking and assaulting his ex-girlfriend, who is a member of the Court's staff.

According to her, on February 10, 2015, she was at a restaurant at mile 2 and a half on the George Price Highway when Varella allegedly cornered her and choked her.

According to this Magistrate's Court staffer, Varella even pursued her at work yesterday. She says that she had just left the office, and while she was getting into her vehicle in the parking lot, Varella approached her.

Fearing for her life, she tried to drive off, and she almost end up ramming into other vehicles which were parked in the parking lot as well.

Taking advantage of her distraction, Varella ran up to her vehicle and began banging on the car door. She drove off, and reported the incidents to police.

Varella was arrested and charged with common assault, and when he was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, he pleaded not guilty. That's an offence for which bail can be granted, but due to the objections of the police prosecutor, the Chief Magistrate denied Varella bail and remanded him until April 7, after the long Easter Weekend.

Police intend to bring additional charges against him for yesterday's incident.