By Breaking Belize News Staff: The High Court has ruled that the virtual complainant in the attempted murder case against Michael Gladden, 25, may testify via video link after leaving Belize to seek asylum in the United States.
The ruling was handed down just before noon on Wednesday by Justice Candace Nanton, who agreed with the Crown’s submission that, given the circumstances, the witness should be permitted to give evidence remotely. The defense had objected to the procedure.
Gladden, who remains on remand at the Belize Central Prison, listened to the ruling from his cell. He is awaiting trial for attempted murder, a matter the court noted is of a serious nature.
Attorney Ian Gray, appearing for Gladden, argued against allowing remote testimony, citing concerns about the inability to properly assess the witness’s demeanor in person. However, Justice Nanton noted that there is no rule barring a witness from testifying remotely and that while in-person testimony is preferable, virtual testimony can be justified when circumstances require it.
The Crown submitted that the complainant is not abroad on holiday but sought asylum in the United States because of the case, and further argued that without her testimony, the prosecution’s case would collapse. The court accepted that submission.
Following the ruling, Justice Nanton set a Case Management Conference (CMC) for Friday, January 30, 2026. The trial is expected to begin in March 2026 and is anticipated to last one to two days. The Crown’s main witness, whom Gladden is accused of shooting, is expected to testify via video link for at least half of the first day of trial. A final trial date is yet to be fixed.
Gladden had previously been out on bail for the attempted murder charge but was later remanded to prison after being charged in October 2025 for multiple counts of robbery. He was denied bail in that matter and has remained incarcerated since.
The court proceedings will continue later this week with the scheduled CMC.
The post Court allows key witness to testify from U.S. in Michael Gladden attempted murder case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The High Court has ruled that the virtual complainant in the attempted murder case against Michael Gladden, 25, may testify via video link after leaving Belize to seek asylum in the United States. The ruling was handed down just before noon on Wednesday by Justice Candace Nanton, who agreed with
The post Court allows key witness to testify from U.S. in Michael Gladden attempted murder case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
