By Breaking Belize News Staff: High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim has ruled that Mark Godoy Jr. is fit to plead and stand trial on two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse involving a 14-year-old girl.
The ruling followed a preliminary hearing during which the court considered psychiatric assessments prepared a doctor in March 2025 and another in January 2026. Both doctors concluded that Godoy suffers from intellectual impairment and was unfit to stand trial.
The defence, represented by Monica Stuart of the Legal Aid Office, argued that Godoy has a level of understanding comparable to that of an eight-year-old and is unable to properly follow court proceedings or give instructions to his attorney.
Crown Counsel Kirk Brown countered that the defence had failed to prove that Godoy was unfit. The prosecution noted that Godoy understood the charges against him, knew that sexual intercourse with a minor was wrong and understood the consequences of being found guilty.
The Crown also submitted that Godoy had consistently denied the allegations, demonstrating that he was capable of communicating a defence.
Despite being declared fit for trial, proceedings were unable to commence because the court is awaiting further instructions from Godoy. A representative from the Department of Human Services is expected to assist him in communicating with his attorney.
Godoy remains free on bail and is expected to return to the High Court next week.
The post Mark Godoy Jr.’s defense argues he is unfit to stand trial for unlawful sex with 14-year-old girl because he has mental capacity of an 8-year-old; Crown Counsel Kirk Brown successfully argues Godoy is fit to stand trial appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim has ruled that Mark Godoy Jr. is fit to plead and stand trial on two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse involving a 14-year-old girl. The ruling followed a preliminary hearing during which the court considered psychiatric assessments prepared a doctor in March 2025 and another
The post Mark Godoy Jr.’s defense argues he is unfit to stand trial for unlawful sex with 14-year-old girl because he has mental capacity of an 8-year-old; Crown Counsel Kirk Brown successfully argues Godoy is fit to stand trial appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
