By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 29-year-old Belize City man narrowly avoided having his bail revoked after repeatedly failing to appear in court for his pending animal cruelty case.
Reno Castillo appeared before a Senior Magistrate in Court #2 on Friday after a bench warrant was issued for his arrest on Thursday, April 9, when he failed to attend scheduled court proceedings, including disclosure.
The court heard that Castillo’s matter is set for trial in July, but his absence from several court dates placed his bail and surety at serious risk.
When questioned by the magistrate, Castillo explained that he had recently experienced a house fire that destroyed all of his belongings, causing him to lose track of his court dates. He told the court that he believed the case had already been completed.
The Senior Magistrate warned Castillo that he was fortunate not to have been remanded to prison pending trial. She noted that his failure to appear had also placed his surety at risk, as sureties can be ordered to pay the amount they signed for when defendants abscond.
As part of the proceedings, Castillo was again provided with full disclosure material, which now totals 11 pages and two DVDs, including documents previously handed over in 2025.
Rather than revoke bail, the court opted to vary the existing conditions. Castillo must now report to the Belama Police Station twice weekly—every Tuesday and Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
His trial for animal cruelty is scheduled for July 20, 2026.
Before leaving court, Castillo was sternly warned that any further breach of his bail conditions will result in his bail being revoked and his immediate remand to prison until the matter is heard.
The post Accused animal abuser stops showing up to court; makes court come to him – Claims his house burned down and thought his case was over appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 29-year-old Belize City man narrowly avoided having his bail revoked after repeatedly failing to appear in court for his pending animal cruelty case. Reno Castillo appeared before a Senior Magistrate in Court #2 on Friday after a bench warrant was issued for his arrest on Thursday, April 9, when
The post Accused animal abuser stops showing up to court; makes court come to him – Claims his house burned down and thought his case was over appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
