By Breaking Belize News Staff: A burglary trial involving Denfield Lemott has been left in limbo after he requested that the Magistrate hearing his case recuse herself because she had previously convicted him of burglary in a separate matter, a conviction that was later overturned on appeal.
Lemott, who is representing himself, appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 15, where his case was adjourned to November 17, 2026, as the court considers how to proceed.
The trial had already commenced in Court #4, with evidence taken from the complainant, when Lemott raised concerns about the Magistrate’s involvement and requested her recusal. The matter was subsequently transferred to Court #5, leaving unresolved questions about how the partially heard trial should continue.
The dispute follows Lemott’s successful appeal of a 2025 burglary conviction for which he had received an eight-year prison sentence. High Court Justice Candace Nanton subsequently quashed the conviction and set aside the sentence, allowing him to regain his freedom.
As previously reported by Breaking Belize News, Lemott later faced two additional burglary charges involving the alleged theft of $130 from a program officer and $350 from a teacher at the YMCA building in Belize City. He pleaded not guilty to those allegations.
In another case, Lemott was charged with allegedly stealing $2,000 from Divine Mercy Church in July 2026. He also pleaded not guilty in that matter and was denied bail.
During Thursday’s appearance, Lemott informed the court that he had misplaced his original disclosure documents and requested another copy.
The Magistrate adjourned the current burglary case to November 17 for mention, when the prosecution is expected to clarify its position on how the trial should proceed following the transfer between courts.
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