By Breaking Belize News Staff: Nelson Canul, a 25-year-old resident of San Pedro Ambergris Caye, pleaded guilty on Thursday to three counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse (USI) with a minor. The case took a complex turn as it was revealed that the 14-year-old victim had become pregnant and given birth to his child.
Canul, who was 22 at the time of the offenses, entered a plea agreement with the Crown, which has recommended a sentence of three years’ probation and community service.
Canul was charged after engaging in a sexual relationship with the girl when she was 14, an age protected by law. The unlawful sexual acts occurred on September 10, 11, and 19, 2022.
Represented by attorney Leslie Hamilton, Canul appeared in court and pleaded guilty to the three USI charges.
The Crown, represented by Crown Counsel Shanelle Fernandez-Peyrefitte, told the court that the reason for entering into the plea agreement was to “keep the family unit together” in light of the child’s birth.
Both the Crown and the defense agreed to recommend that Justice Nigel Pilgrim sentence Canul to a three-year probation term, during which he would also complete community service.
Justice Pilgrim accepted Canul’s guilty plea but made it clear that he is not obliged to accept the recommended sentence. Justice Pilgrim deferred sentencing until Monday, December 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., stating he would consider all the facts presented before making a final decision on Canul’s fate.
The post Nelson Canul pleads guilty to unlawful intercourse with 14-year-old girl and getting her pregnant but case takes turn when Crown seeks probation to ‘keep family unit together’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Nelson Canul, a 25-year-old resident of San Pedro Ambergris Caye, pleaded guilty on Thursday to three counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse (USI) with a minor. The case took a complex turn as it was revealed that the 14-year-old victim had become pregnant and given birth to his child. Canul, who
The post Nelson Canul pleads guilty to unlawful intercourse with 14-year-old girl and getting her pregnant but case takes turn when Crown seeks probation to ‘keep family unit together’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
