Brian Duran, sentenced to 7 years for rape of a child, challenges sentence; DPP objects, says 7 years was ‘unduly lenient’

Posted: Friday, October 24, 2025. 6:45 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: 25-year-old Brian Duran, who pleaded guilty last year to the rape of a 15-year-old girl, has taken his case to the Court of Appeal, challenging the seven-year sentence he received in the Supreme Court.

Duran, who was 23 at the time of sentencing, admitted to the offense on March 25, 2024, and was handed what many considered a lenient term, given that rape of a child typically carries much longer sentences. For comparison, just last week, Jose Joel Mejia was sentenced to 16 years, 11 months, and 19 days for the same offense.

In the appeal hearing on Tuesday, Duran was represented by Attorney Dr. Lynden Jones, who argued that the trial judge erred in applying the sentencing methodology. Dr. Jones submitted that the judge failed to establish a clear starting point for sentencing and used conflicting guidelines, which he believes led to an improper outcome.

Representing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Crown Counsel Maria Santana-Neal countered that the role of the Court of Appeal is to determine whether the sentence imposed was appropriate—and in Duran’s case, she suggested that the seven-year term was unduly lenient, considering the nature of the offense.

The panel of judges—Madam Justice Marguerite Woodstock Riley, Madam Justice Sandra Minott Phillips, and Madam Justice Michelle Arana—have reserved their decision for a later date.

The case stems from an incident in 2020, when Duran was accused of having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old minor. He later pleaded guilty to the charge of rape of a child, and on November 7, 2024, he was sentenced to seven years in prison by the Belmopan High Court, where he was represented by Attorney Arthur Saldivar.

Duran has served nearly one year of his sentence as he awaits the outcome of his appeal.

 

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The post Brian Duran, sentenced to 7 years for rape of a child, challenges sentence; DPP objects, says 7 years was ‘unduly lenient’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Friday, October 24, 2025. 6:45 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: 25-year-old Brian Duran, who pleaded guilty last year to the rape of a
The post Brian Duran, sentenced to 7 years for rape of a child, challenges sentence; DPP objects, says 7 years was ‘unduly lenient’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.