By Aaron Humes: Jasmine Hartin, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter by negligence of late Senior Police Superintendent Henry Jemmott in 2021, has been found not guilty of common assault and possession of a controlled substance, namely cocaine, following a lengthy trial at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. Hartin, who appeared virtually for the verdict, was acquitted of both charges stemming from an incident involving Sandra Grisham.
The trial saw its fair share of adjournments and complexities, including a change in venue after the Magistrate was reassigned and Hartin changing her attorney from Richard “Dickie” Bradley to Arthur Saldivar; but on Monday, February 9, the presiding Magistrate delivered the verdict, clearing Hartin of all charges. “The Prosecutor’s evidence was not strong enough to secure a conviction,” Saldivar stated, elaborating only that inconsistencies in Grisham’s testimony significantly weakened the prosecution’s case but not giving further details.
Due to personal circumstances, including an ongoing child custody matter in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hartin was granted permission to appear virtually in court. Her attorney had previously assured the court that she posed no flight risk, a concern raised during the proceedings.
Initially out on $1,000 bail, Hartin was subjected to a higher security bail of $2,500 following suggestions of her possible flight risk. Despite these challenges, she managed to balance her legal battles with her personal life, welcoming her third child in late 2025. Hartin is already a mother to twins, a boy and a girl, whose father is Andrew Ashcroft, son of Lord Michael Ashcroft.
In relation to the Jemmott incident, for which she was fined $75,000 and ordered to complete community service, Saldivar indicated, “Her community service is still before the court. Nothing has been set for her to serve it.” She was originally ordered to conduct the service with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) on Fabers’ Road, but they indicated that they had no knowledge of the court’s order.
The post Jasmine Hartin acquitted of assault and drug charges in high-profile court case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: Jasmine Hartin, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter by negligence of late Senior Police Superintendent Henry Jemmott in 2021, has been found not guilty of common assault and possession of a controlled substance, namely cocaine, following a lengthy trial at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. Hartin, who appeared virtually for the verdict,
The post Jasmine Hartin acquitted of assault and drug charges in high-profile court case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
