Danny Mason’s kidnapping retrial set for February 2025; defense raises bail and cellphone evidence issues

Posted: Saturday, November 23, 2024. 9:51 am CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: The retrial of William “Danny” Mason, the controversial figure facing kidnapping and blackmail charges, is set to begin in February 2025 after delays caused by his change in legal representation and outstanding case management conference (CMC) filings.

Appearing virtually on Friday before Justice Nigel Pilgrim, Mason was represented by his new attorney, Peter Taylor, a Trinidadian national assisted by attorneys Nehanda Samuel, Eustace Warner, and Jamie Hibberd. Taylor was granted until November 29, 2024, to complete and file Mason’s CMC documents, with the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, required to respond by December 6.

The case will return to court on December 13 for further directions, with Justice Pilgrim expressing hope that Mason’s retrial would proceed swiftly in early February.

During the session, Taylor raised two additional issues on behalf of Mason. First, he indicated plans to file a bail application, despite Mason being held in custody since 2016 on this and other matters. Taylor argued that Mason, given his age and the mistrial declared in his previous trial in July 2024, was not a flight risk and deserved consideration for bail. Justice Pilgrim instructed Taylor to submit a formal written application.

Taylor also addressed the alleged seizure of Mason’s cellphone by police in 2016, which Mason claims contains evidence crucial to his defense. The DPP denied that the Crown was in possession of the device, suggesting Taylor direct his query to the Commissioner of Police.

Mason’s retrial stems from his initial kidnapping and blackmail trial, which ended in a mistrial earlier this year. The charges relate to an incident on May 16, 2016, involving virtual complainants Lloyd Friesen and his wife. Following the mistrial, Mason’s legal representation shifted, causing delays in proceedings.

With over 247 pages of transcripts from the first trial and additional witness statements still under review, Taylor assured the court he was working diligently to prepare for the February retrial.

This latest legal battle adds to Mason’s notoriety, as he remains embroiled in other criminal matters that have drawn public attention.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.