☛ ER Judge takes Belant’s motion to dismiss under submission
A motion to dismiss the child molestation case against Andrew Belant was taken under submission Wednesday by a Humboldt County Superior Court judge.
Judge Marilyn Miles noted Belant’s “fairly lengthy” motion, at 14 pages, and said she’ll issue a written ruling after reviewing both his and the prosecution’s arguments.
Belant, 25, has pleaded not guilty to 18 counts of child molestation, which include forced oral copulation and lewd or lascivious acts. He’s scheduled to stand trial Dec. 1 and has a trial confirmation date set for Nov. 17.
Belant, who is representing himself in lieu of a public defender, filed the motion Oct. 9. (...)
Rose, do you think Paul will be able to get a conviction on this guy since he is representing himself? I just don't get child molesters, there doesn't seem to be any cure what so ever. Even after doing their time, they almost always repeat the crime. That's why cities make it so hard for them to find a place to live, 2000 feet from just about anywhere.
ReplyDeleteOne has to wonder if an island without kids would be appropriate?
Usually I can come up with some sarcastic answer to solve problems or even a good idea. This subject just leaves me cold.
I agree with you on this one, Tom. trouble is, for a long time, our laws were far too lenient on these guys. Those laws have to be toughened up.
ReplyDeleteMegan's Law is a GREAT THING because it gives parents a chance - at least the knowledge of who is around, and who to watch out for.
Belant is a fool for representing himself. If he is innocent, he has no concept of the ins and outs of the laws and legal procedures, and will only get himself in trouble. If he is guilty, and wants to get off, he needs competent counsel. Maybe, if he is guilty, he just wants to go down swinging. Maybe he really wants to be punished.
As for punishment? Death penalty works for me. People like John Couey and Richard Allen Davis, even that is too good. Life imprisonment for 'lesser' offenses. Laws will have to be rewritten, though. And there are lots of complications, because there are lots of false charges, especially in divorce cases. So there would have to be numerous safeguards put in place.
Belant just wants to cross-examine the victims--aka a way to testify without doing so--and try to intimidate them as best he can. One can only hope that a jury sees what he's doing and punishes him accordingly.
ReplyDeleteOne of the victims is the son of a dear friend of mine. Thank God he didn't have good enough speech to testify, but I will continue to pray for those that still have to face that monster in court.
ReplyDeleteI offer prayer and encouragment for the families involved. God Bless you all!
Sarah