Hartin in Family Court

Jasmine Hartin

Today, Canadian national Jasmine Hartin was back before a judge with two new lawyers, but it wasn’t for the manslaughter by negligence charge before the Supreme Court. Instead, she was three blocks away, appearing in the Belize Family Court as a custody case for her four-year-old twins begins. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Jasmine Hartin and Andrew Ashcroft appeared in the Belize Family Court this morning as the case began for custody of their twins. After about an hour and a half and in the company of their attorneys, they came down the steps of the building. Representing Hartin in the case are attorneys Leeroy Banner and Wendy Auxillou.

Jasmine Hartin, Mother

“I don’t know what I am allowed to say and what I am not allowed to say, but that was a very in my opinion, very unfair outcome. But I don’t think I can speak right now.”

Wendy Auxillou

Wendy Auxillou, Attorney for Jasmine Hartin

“This is a matter that involves children and because it involves children, we have to take every care not to make spurious comments and allegations in the best interest of the children. So my client intends to act very maturely and not discuss the custody issues until there is a resolution at some point.”

An interim ruling was made by the judge to grant custody of the children to Andrew Ashcroft until the substantive matter is dealt with.  Today Ashcroft did not entertain any questions and was escorted into a Mercury Mariner SUV and drove away from the court, following the proceedings. His attorney is Roberta Usher.

Roberta Usher

Roberta Usher, Attorney for Andrew Ashcroft

“No comment right now. You know these are sensitive matters. Let the court do what it has to do.”

Duane Moody

“Was a decision made today?”

Roberta Usher

“Yes.”

Duane Moody

“Can you share with us at least what that preliminary decision was?”

Reporter

“Does Mister Andrew retain custody for now?”

Roberta Usher

“Yes he does.”

Reporter

“That’s interim custody though?”

Roberta Usher

“That’s interim custody and I will speak to you after the matter is finished.”

So what’s the next step?

Wendy Auxillou

“The matter has been adjourned to another date which I don’t want to give. I am hesitant to give because we do not want it to become a media frenzy. It is a matter that involves children; we have to take every care.”

Duane Moody for News Five.