The case of a New Harbour woman accused of starving a horse to death was back in court this morning.

Forty-six-year-old Sarah Woodman has applied to withdraw her guilty plea in the matter, but it will be another three months before a judge gives his decision.

Woodman was first charged in 2016 after she called the provincial veterinarian about a sick calf.

The woman and her ex-partner had been looking after the calf and a horse named Deuce. When the vet arrived, they had to euthanize the calf, and quickly noted that the horse was very thin and in need of immediate help.

Woodman asked for advice on the best food and supplies, and promised to pick it all up in St. John’s. However, a couple of days later, officials arrived, determined the horse was starving to death, and put it down.

Woodman insisted that she didn’t intentionally starve the horse, but nonetheless pleaded guilty in 2018 to being reckless in letting her ex care for the horse. But she had second thoughts after reviewing evidence and other information that suggested the horse was within normal weight range—as well as the fear of a jail term.

She is now seeking to withdraw her plea and go to trial.

Today, Judge Paul Noble said he would have to reserve his decision in the case at Harbour Grace provincial court.

Given summer holidays and other matters before the court, that decision won’t come until mid-September.