Wilfred Elrington

Wilfred Elrington SC, Attorney for the Defense

“Just another adjournment, nothing new.”

Shane Williams

“was the crown not able to present its…”

Wilfred Elrington

“Yeah, the crown had difficulty getting its submission in so this matter adjourned until the third. So nothing big, just procedural.”

                           Alifa Elrington

Alifa Elrington, Attorney for the Defense

“I believe that there is always a disappointment when you cannot proceed with a trial, either which side. You came prepared to proceed with a trial and we cannot proceed with a trial. However, the decision has been made and we have to go by virtue of what the judge said so we wait and see what happens on Tuesday.”

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

Watch the full newscast here:

The post DPP Misses Deadline, Elrington’s Rape Case Delayed first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

A constitutional clash over open justice unfolded in the High Court of Belize today, as the prosecutor and a defense attorney advanced sharply different arguments on whether the sexual assault trial of attorney and public figure Orson ‘OJ’ Elrington should be held behind closed doors. Before the trial could begin, Justice Nigel Pilgrim signaled an intention to close the courtroom. The Crown raised no objection. But the defense objected, warning that secrecy would undermine not only Elrington’s right to a fair hearing but also public confidence in the process. The Crown anchored its position in section 6(9)(a) of the Constitution, arguing that publicity would harm the interests of justice because witnesses are expected to recount intimate, traumatic details capable of identifying the complainant.

DPP Cheryl-Lyn Vidal said the defense’s insistence on public scrutiny amounted to conducting “a trial within the courtroom and one by the public” through the media. She maintained that exposing the complainant’s private life would risk re‑traumatization and degrade the quality of her evidence. The court, she argued, has the constitutional discretion, and responsibility, to protect vulnerable witnesses.

The defense countered with equal force. Senior Counsel Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington described open justice as a “strong constitutional presumption” rooted in common-law tradition and affirmed repeatedly by courts across the Commonwealth. He warned that closing the courtroom would create a dangerous imbalance: the allegations have already been publicly aired, damaging the defendant’s reputation, yet the public would be barred from observing the testing of those allegations through cross‑examination. He argued that secrecy would breed suspicion, especially because the accused is a well‑known public figure. If the evidence collapses under scrutiny, he said, the public should be allowed to see that for themselves. Otherwise, even an acquittal could leave a permanent stain. While acknowledging the complainant’s potential discomfort, the defense urged the court to adopt less restrictive alternatives, anonymity orders, screens, or controlled questioning, rather than excluding the public entirely. He emphasized that the constitutional exceptions must be applied narrowly, not treated as a blanket rule for sexual offense cases. Tonight, we are asking: How should the Senior Courts balance the privacy and welfare of complainants with the transparency needed to maintain public trust, especially when the accused’s reputation has already been tried in the court of public opinion? Justice Pilgrim’s ruling will determine not only this high‑profile case, but also the broader expectations of transparency in Belize’s justice system. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Judge Wants To Hear From Complainant Before “In Camera” Decision

Elrington rape case is actually heard. After listening to both sides debate whether the trial should be held behind closed doors, Justice Pilgrim shifted focus, directing the DPP to formally outline the complainant’s position. He made it clear, before the court rules on shutting the public out, the complainant’s voice must carry just as much weight as the defendant’s. That statement is due by noon on Thursday. The case picks back up at three, when the defense gets its turn to push back, and by Friday morning at nine, Justice Pilgrim is expected to hand down his decision on whether the proceedings will stay open. Representing the defense is former Attorney General and Senior Counsel Wilfred Elrington, who offered brief comments after the adjournment.

Shane Williams

“Any Statement Senior Counsel on the first time an in camera is being objected to?”

                   Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington

Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington, S.C., Attorney for Defense

“I don’t know if it is the first time. I used to be a judge, but I can’t remember any of these matters being tried in camera. I just can’t remember. But it has been such a long time. I just don’t remember. Things change.”

Shane Williams

“So, it is not precedent setting that an objection has been made to an in camera hearing for a sexual assault case?”

Wilfred Elrington, SC

“Might be. Might be.”

Shane Williams

“And what’s your take on the arguments that were made?”

Wilfred Elrington, SC

“I think they are both good arguments, both good arguments. Two counsel have been doing very well indeed. So we just have to wait and see what will happen. And the judge seem to be very good. I’m happy about that.” 

Shane Williams

“Any timeline as to when a decision is expected to be made?”

Wilfred Elrington, SC

“I thought he said he’s going to make his decision on Friday morning.”

Reporter

“At nine?”

Wilfred Elrington, SC

“Yes, That’s the impression I got.”

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

Watch the full newscast here:

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ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch 

“On Saturday,  the fifteenth of July, 2025, a female reported that she was at Shisha Bar. When she was taken by a male person who offered her a ride, she alleges that the person took her in a vehicle and had sex with her against her will. An investigation is being carried out at this time. So far no one has been charged, but the investigation continues.”

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                     Stacy Smith

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Police are preparing to prefer charges against an unemployed Belizean in connection with a burglary that occurred at approximately four o’clock a.m. on Saturday, June 28^th, 2025. This male person is alleged to have entered a residence located on the south side of Belize City with the apparent intention to rape an eleven-year-old female minor therein. One of the occupants stated that she was awaken by a commotion and, upon inquiring, she saw a male person in her residence who proceeded to assault her and her husband, rendering them both unconscious. A male relative who resides on the lower flat of that residence was also alerted by the commotion and intervened, causing the male person  to run off.”

Reporter

“The intruder, as we understand it, was already or had already made himself naked in front of the child. Had this person also disrobed the child?”

Stacy Smith

“The investigation is ongoing and information will be disclosed when it becomes necessary to be disclosed.”

Reporter

“So, because of the nature of these things, it’s a burglary because of how crime is classified. Was there any indication of how the person entered the home? Was there any familiarity with the family? Are there any known suspects?”

Stacy Smith

“The suspect has been detained. He is currently in police custody and the suspect is one that is known to police for incidents of this nature. As a matter of fact, as recent as last year, he was convicted in the magistrate’s court by prosecutor, Sergeant Smith and was sentenced to eleven months in prison. I was advised that he had been released in May, so the person in detention is expected to be charged later today.”

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