The strange case of Andrew Belant

☛TS Belant requests attorney; jury trial postponed
After representing himself in court for months leading up to his trial, Andrew Brian Belant requested an attorney Monday morning, just as his jury selection was set to begin.

Belant requested the appointment of a public defender after a Humboldt County Superior Court judge denied his latest motion to postpone his jury trial. Since taking over his own case in late September, Belant has repeatedly asked for more time to prepare before his trial date. On Monday, Judge Marilyn Miles agreed to delay the trial in order to give Belant's new attorney, Public Defender Andy Truitt, time to prepare.

Belant faces more than 20 charges related to accusations of child sexual abuse and child pornography. The alleged victims were 9, 10, 11 and 13 years old at the time of their alleged abuse.

☛TS Trial set for Andrew Belant 1/22/09
☛TS Watson declines motion to close Belant's trial 12/11/08
☛TS Belant files motion to exclude public from trial 12/9/08
...(Judge) Watson declined to hear the motions Monday, as District Attorney Paul Gallegos was unable to attend the hearing. Those motions were reset for a Wednesday hearing....

☛TS Andrew Belant stabbed in jail 12/3/08
☛TS Belant motion to suppress evidence denied 11/14/08
☛TS Belant represents himself at Wednesday hearing 10/09/08
☛TS Belant to stand trial for child molestation 8/9/08