Prosecution Rests in Danny Mason Kidnapping and Blackmail Trial

The prosecution closed its case in the kidnapping and blackmail trial of William “Danny” Mason and Ryan Rhaburn. The matter continued in the High Court today before Justice Nigel Pilgrim, with Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn-Vidal, representing the Crown. Before closing her case just before midday, the DPP called five witnesses. These witnesses included the alleged victims themselves, Lloyd and Rosie Frissen, the couple at the center of the charges. Tomorrow, the defense will have its opportunity to present its case. Justice Pilgrim is scheduled to inform Mason and Rhaburn of their three rights as defendants. At that point, the two men will need to decide how they will proceed with their defense. They have the option to give sworn testimony from the witness box, deliver an unsworn statement from the defendant’s box, or choose to remain silent. The nation waits to see which path the accused men will take as their trial nears its conclusion. Mason is being represented by a legal team led by Trinidadian Attorney Peter Taylor, along with Eustace and another member of his team. Rhaburn has retained the services of Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson and Attorney Ian Gray. This high-profile trial began last Tuesday, April 29, with the selection of a nine-member jury comprised of five men and four women. Both Mason and Rhaburn face two joint charges of kidnapping Lloyd and Rosie Frissen. Additionally, Mason is individually charged with one count of blackmail against Lloyd Frissen. The alleged incident is reported to have occurred on May 31, 2016, in Belmopan. Both men entered pleas of not guilty to all charges during their arraignment last week. The trial is set to resume tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock.