Judge denies adjournment request in high-profile Mason and Rhaburn kidnapping trial

Published by [email protected] at April 25, 2025

Posted: Friday, April 25, 2025. 3:09 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: The long-awaited kidnapping and blackmail trial against William “Danny” Mason and Ryan Rhaburn will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, after Justice Nigel Pilgrim rejected a last-minute request for adjournment from Mason’s attorney, Peter Taylor.

Appearing virtually, Taylor asked the court to postpone the start of the trial to May 1, citing the fact that Mason had not yet compensated him or arranged travel for his legal team. However, Justice Pilgrim firmly denied the request, noting that the trial date had been agreed upon since January and stressing the eight-year delay in bringing the matter to full trial.

The case, which stems from an incident on May 31, 2024, alleges that Mason and Rhaburn illegally detained Lloyd and Rosy Friesen in Belmopan using force, and that Mason later attempted to extort $2,500 weekly from Lloyd Friesen in exchange for “protection.”

Appearing in court were Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson for Rhaburn, who confirmed readiness to proceed, and Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, who also strongly objected to the adjournment. Vidal noted her witnesses are prepared and emphasized that family obligations in May would make further delay unfair and impractical.

Justice Pilgrim advised Taylor to travel to Belize and make arrangements for his compensation separately, stating that the trial would move forward as planned. Jury selection is scheduled for Tuesday, and the case is expected to conclude by May 9, 2025.

Mason and Rhaburn have both pleaded not guilty to two counts of kidnapping, while Mason faces an additional charge of blackmail.

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