By Breaking Belize News Staff: The sexual assault trial against prominent Dangriga doctor Desmond Arzu was adjourned again on Monday morning after the court was informed that he remains medically unfit to appear.
Arzu, who was called on June 9 to answer to a charge of sexual assault, was once again absent when the matter was called in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman on March 26, 2023, in Punta Gorda Town, allegedly by touching her inappropriately while performing a medical examination.
Senior Magistrate Court #2 was informed through a letter from attorney Bryan Neal, of Bryan Neal Law Firm, that Arzu is medically unfit to attend court. Neal further indicated that the defense would continue to update the court on Arzu’s medical condition.
However, the court also noted that Arzu’s attorneys, Bryan Neal and Arthur Saldivar, were not present when the matter was called. Their absence was placed on the record by both the court and Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, who is appearing for the Crown in the matter.
The case has now been adjourned to Tuesday, June 30, 2026. It marks the third adjournment since Arzu was called to answer to the charge. Arzu has reportedly been recorded as being ill since Monday, June 15.
The delay has raised concern because the tenure of the sitting Senior Magistrate, who has carriage of the matter, is set to expire on June 29. The magistrate has reportedly requested an extension in an effort to conclude the case before it is reassigned.
If the matter is not completed before the magistrate leaves, one possible outcome is that the trial may have to start over before a new magistrate, with witnesses being recalled. Another possibility is that a newly assigned magistrate could review the trial transcript and continue the matter, though that is considered less likely in lower court practice.
It remains unclear how long Arzu will remain medically unfit to attend court. It is also unclear whether the sitting magistrate will be granted an extension to complete the trial.
The matter is now expected to return to court on June 30, when the next step in the trial will be determined.
The post Doctor Desmond Arzu’s sexual assault trial adjourned again over medical absence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The sexual assault trial against prominent Dangriga doctor Desmond Arzu was adjourned again on Monday morning after the court was informed that he remains medically unfit to appear. Arzu, who was called on June 9 to answer to a charge of sexual assault, was once again absent when the matter
The post Doctor Desmond Arzu’s sexual assault trial adjourned again over medical absence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
