Danny Mason Kidnapping and Blackmail Trial Set to Proceed Next Week

The long-awaited trial for William “Danny” Mason and Ryan Rhaburn on charges of kidnapping and blackmail is set to proceed next week, despite a last-minute bid for a delay today. In the High Court this morning, Justice Nigel Pilgrim denied a request for an adjournment sought by Mason’s attorney, Peter Taylor. Taylor, who appeared virtually, asked for the trial to be postponed until May, citing that he has not yet been fully compensated by Mason to cover the costs of travelling to Belize with his legal team. However, Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, strongly objected to any further delay. The DPP, representing the Crown, informed the court that her witnesses are prepared and ready to proceed. She highlighted that a key witness’s family is dealing with a sick child and would not be available in May. DPP Vidal argued that if Mason hasn’t finalized financial arrangements with his lawyer by now, just days before the agreed-upon trial date, a further postponement is unlikely to resolve the issue. Also present in court was Ryan Rhaburn, alongside his attorney, Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson. Sampson stated they are fully prepared and ready for the trial to commence as scheduled. Justice Pilgrim sided with the prosecution, refusing the adjournment. He reminded the court that the case stems from incidents back in 2016 and that the trial date of Tuesday, April 29th, had been firmly agreed upon by all parties back in January of this year. While denying the delay, Justice Pilgrim did offer to assist Attorney Taylor in scheduling discussions regarding his payment but reiterated the trial will start next week. The trial was transferred to Belize City from Belmopan last September following a mistrial. So, jury selection is set for this Tuesday, April 29, with the trial expected to commence immediately after. Mason and Rhaburn face two counts each of kidnapping, while Mason faces a separate charge of blackmail. The trial is scheduled to conclude by May 9.