1. Home / 
  2. Crime
  3.  / OJ Elrington case adjourned as court awaits complainant’s position
OJ Elrington case adjourned as court awaits complainant’s position

The High Court was unable to deliver a ruling today in the closely watched rape case involving attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington, after proceedings were adjourned to allow prosecutors more time to obtain a statement from the virtual complainant.  This afternoon at 3:00 p.m., the matter resumed behind closed doors before Justice Nigel Pilgrim in Belize City. The hearing opened with Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lyn Vidal requesting additional time to collect the complainant’s statement, citing concerns about the individual’s current state of mind.  Attorney Alifah Elrington, appearing for the defence, objected to the request, telling the court her client was ready to proceed. She also raised concerns regarding the complainant’s condition and the delay in moving the matter forward.  After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Pilgrim granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the case.  Outside court, defence attorney Alifah Elrington told reporters they will now wait to see how the matter unfolds when it returns to court.

Alifa Elrington, Attorney: “I believe that there’s 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.”

Meanwhile, the accused, Orson Elrington, who remains out on bail, briefly spoke with the media but avoided commenting directly on the day’s proceedings, instead shifting the focus elsewhere, and doing a plug for the Belize Cancer Society.

OJ Elrington, Attorney: “You know cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer among women. The good thing is that it’s one of the most preventable types as well. So the Cancer Society is having a forum. It’s Cancer Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. So, they are actually having a forum tomorrow and one of the great two things about it is you can go and get testing for cervical cancer and females between the ages of 9 to 14 can get a vaccine. You can also buy these wonderful pins like this to support the Cancer Society. Alright, so support the Belize Cancer Society in everything that they do.”

Reporter: And no reaction to the adjournment ?

OJ Elrington, Attorney: “No. The attorneys deal with that my good brother.”

The case has been rescheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.