William ‘Danny’ Mason claims human rights violations at Belize Central Prison as mitigation hearing delayed again

Published by [email protected] at June 21, 2025

Posted: Saturday, June 21, 2025. 9:30 am CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: William “Danny” Mason’s long-awaited mitigation plea was once again delayed in the High Court of Belize on Friday, as critical documents necessary for sentencing remain outstanding. Appearing before Justice Nigel Pilgrim, Mason voiced a series of grievances about conditions at the Belize Central Prison, including alleged violations of his right to communicate with legal counsel.

Mason, who was convicted on May 9, 2025, of two counts of kidnapping in relation to the abduction of Mennonite couple Lloyd and Rosie Friesen in 2016, was brought to court under heavy police escort. While his attorney, Peter Taylor, appeared virtually, Mason was present in person.

Justice Pilgrim postponed the sentencing hearing to June 30, 2025, citing the absence of a Social Inquiry Report (SIR), which is essential for determining an appropriate sentence. While the court has already received Mason’s prison report and the victim impact statement, the missing SIR continues to stall proceedings.

During the session, Mason addressed the court directly, alleging mistreatment behind bars and a deliberate effort to obstruct communication with his attorney.

“We are having a lot of difficulties within the prison,” Mason told the court. “My lawyer tried ample times through Zoom chat, but approval hasn’t been given.”

Mason claimed that prison authorities have ignored requests for virtual meetings and recounted an instance where he was taken to a Zoom room, only for a game to be displayed on the television instead of a legal session. He also stated that he has been held in solitary confinement with four locks on his cell and kept in darkness for years.

Further, Mason alleged he was recently sent to “the hole” without being charged, only to be told afterward that he would face charges. He expressed frustration with what he described as persistent delays and restrictions on his rights.

“I will say no more,” Mason concluded. “I want to speak with my lawyer so he can take necessary actions. I am tired of the delay. It’s been nine years.”

Justice Pilgrim acknowledged Mason’s concerns and promised to write to the CEO of the Kolbe Foundation, which manages the prison, to address the issue of restricted access to legal counsel. He also advised attorney Peter Taylor to raise the matter with the Visiting Justices, who are authorized to investigate complaints from inmates.

In court, Justice Pilgrim also inquired whether Mason intends to call any character witnesses during mitigation. Taylor confirmed Mason plans to call one witness, though the individual has not yet been identified.

Mason, who was jointly charged with Ryan Rhaburn, was acquitted of the blackmail charge but convicted on both counts of kidnapping. Rhaburn’s status in the case was not addressed during today’s session.

Mason will return to court on June 30, 2025, when his mitigation hearing is expected to proceed — if all required reports are filed.

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