Man Found Guilty of Rape Faces 8 year Prison Sentence

A Belize City man could be facing eight years to life in prison after being convicted of rape. Giovanni Burns appeared in the High Court of Belize before Justice Nigel Pilgrim today, where he was found guilty of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault. Justice Pilgrim deferred sentencing until July 28. Burns trial started on Wednesday, June 20. At the trial, the 24-year-old victim testified that on February 1, 2019, Burns forced her to perform oral sex on him. She said he then assaulted her while attempting to force himself upon her but she managed to escape from him during the struggle. Burns, who was represented by Attorney Darrell Bradley, gave an unsworn statement in his defense and called one witness who support his claim that he and the victim were in a relationship.