Posted: Friday, August 8, 2025. 2:27 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The long-running drug and assault case involving Canadian national Jasmine Hartin has been adjourned once more, this time due to her reported pregnancy and related health complications.
Hartin, who is approximately 23 weeks pregnant, was deemed unfit to travel by her doctor, prompting the latest delay in the matter which has been before the courts since 2021. Initially heard in San Pedro, the case was later transferred to Belize City, where it has continued to face procedural and scheduling setbacks.
Her attorney, Arthur Saldivar, informed the court that Hartin is managing multiple underlying health conditions, and her doctor has advised against travel for medical reasons. Saldivar also revealed he has filed a “case stated” application, challenging the handling of the matter and alleging that Hartin’s constitutional right to a fair trial within a reasonable time has been violated.
The sitting Magistrate of Court #5 has ordered that the prosecution respond in writing to the submission by September 15, 2025. The next court date has been set for October 1, 2025.
During the court session, former lead prosecutor Alifah Elrington stated she would continue to assist the new prosecutor, a police corporal, and asked for an adjournment to review Saldivar’s recent submission, which she had only received by email the day before.
Saldivar, who arrived in court nearly an hour late due to another court engagement, argued that the prosecution has no standing in a “case stated” application, which he says is strictly between the court and the applicant. Despite his objections, the Magistrate allowed time for the Crown’s response, saying their input must be considered before a ruling is made.
Outside the courtroom, Saldivar explained that a “case stated” application is used when a party believes that court actions during proceedings have infringed upon their constitutional rights. He referenced Section 20 of the Constitution, which allows a person to seek High Court intervention in such matters, and cited Section 6(2), which guarantees the right to a trial within a reasonable time.
Saldivar criticized the venue change from San Pedro to Belize City, stating it was done without Hartin’s consent and without a valid reason, especially since the case is not jury-based and involves misdemeanor offenses that carry only a fine, not prison time.
With the case now dragging into its fourth year, Saldivar emphasized that the delays have been unreasonable and continue to affect his client, who remains out of court due to her medical condition. The trial remains at the prosecution stage.
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The post Jasmine Hartin’s drug and assault case adjourned again as pregnancy and health issues delay trial appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, August 8, 2025. 2:27 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: The long-running drug and assault case involving Canadian national Jasmine Hartin has been
The post Jasmine Hartin’s drug and assault case adjourned again as pregnancy and health issues delay trial appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
