Jasmine Hartin sent to scorpion-infested Belize prison featured among 'World's Toughest Prisons'
HATTIEVILLE, BELIZE: Canadian socialite Jasmine Hartin, the daughter-in-law of British billionaire Lord Ashcroft, is being transferred to one of the toughest prisons in Central America. The 32-year-old will be detained at the infamous Belize Central Prison alongside violent criminals and gang members. The prison has been featured on the Netflix documentary 'Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons' for its strict regulations and harsh living conditions.
The decision to keep her in custody came after a local court ruled that she was too much of a flight risk and denied bail. Hartin is currently charged with manslaughter by negligence for the shooting of police officer Henry Jemmott, whose body was found floating in the sea near San Pedro. Hartin claims she shot Jermott by accident while giving him a massage after a night of drinking.
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Jasmine Hartin and Henry Jemmott were alone and drinking at pier when he was shot dead
Hartin to be transferred to the scorpion-infested prison
Located in Hattieville, Belize Central Prison is the only prison in the Central American nation, locally known as 'Hattieville Ramada'. Presently it houses 1,041 prisoners who are forced to live in tiny concrete cells. The prisoners are subjected to strict religious regulations and difficult living conditions. According to The Sun, inmates often have to wait for years in captivity for their trials. Given the small area and the fact that it is the only prison in Belize, inmates charged with petty crimes have to stay in close quarters with those convicted of notorious murders and other gruesome crimes.
The prison is managed by the nonprofit organization Kolbe Foundation. CEO Virgilio Murillo confirmed to Daily Mail that there would be no special treatment for Hartin once she is transferred to the facility. She was escorted by police to the prison by boat from San Pedro on June 1, 2021. "Thus far she stands accused and will be dealt with just like any other untried prisoner. And I will leave it at that," he stated.
Meanwhile, it has come to light that the prison was sued two years ago by a former inmate for human rights violations. She claimed that she was kept in a bare, rancid cell, which was infested with scorpions, milipedes, tarantulas and cockroaches.
Hartin can face a maximum sentence of five years in prison with her charges, which she can also evade by paying a fine of around $10,000.