By Breaking Belize News Staff: Henry Hulse, a 70-year-old Belizean citizen and U.S. deportee, has been sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison for the rape of an 11-year-old boy. The sentence, handed down by Justice Nigel Pilgrim, comes with the heavy acknowledgment that Hulse may spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
The court heard how Hulse, who was living in an abandoned bus at the time, exploited his position of trust to prey on a vulnerable child. The victim, who was 58 years younger than Hulse, was forced to perform oral sex on three occasions. The heinous acts were witnessed by the victim’s brother, who discovered the abuse taking place in the back of the bus.
In a victim impact statement, the boy expressed deep humiliation and psychological scarring, noting that he has faced teasing from peers following the incident. Justice Pilgrim classified the harm as “Category 2 high harm,” citing the serious psychological issues and mental scars inflicted upon the child.
Justice Pilgrim utilized a structured approach to determine the final sentence:
- Starting Point: 16 years (one year above the mandatory minimum due to the breach of trust).
- Aggravating Factors: An increase to 22 years was applied, citing the exploitation of a child without immediate guardianship and the overall prevalence of such crimes in society.
- Mitigating Factors: The court deducted time for the lack of physical violence during the act and Hulse’s clean record regarding similar offenses. Additional consideration was given to character witnesses and Hulse’s potential for rehabilitation.
- Final Term: 19 years and 6 months, backdated to June 12, 2024, to account for time served on remand.
Despite Hulse’s advanced age and a cataract condition, Justice Pilgrim maintained that the severity of the crime demanded a significant custodial sentence.
“While he is of age and may die in jail, that should not deter the court from imposing a just sentence,” the court noted.
In addition to the prison term, Hulse must undergo mandatory counseling and psychiatric treatment at the Kolbe Foundation’s facility for sex offenders. Upon any eventual release, Hulse is legally barred from changing his address, ensuring ongoing monitoring by authorities.
The post 70-year-old deportee gets almost 20 years in jail for raping 11-year-old boy in back of bus in front of brother appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Henry Hulse, a 70-year-old Belizean citizen and U.S. deportee, has been sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison for the rape of an 11-year-old boy. The sentence, handed down by Justice Nigel Pilgrim, comes with the heavy acknowledgment that Hulse may spend the remainder of his life behind
The post 70-year-old deportee gets almost 20 years in jail for raping 11-year-old boy in back of bus in front of brother appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.