By Breaking Belize News Staff: Nelson Canul, 25, has been spared a prison sentence after pleading guilty to three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old minor. During a hearing in the High Court, Justice Nigel Pilgrim accepted a plea agreement that places the San Pedro resident on three years of supervised probation.
The charges stem from a romantic relationship that began in 2022 when Canul was 22 and the victim was 14. Canul admitted to having sexual intercourse with the minor on three occasions in September 2023. While the encounters were described as consensual and non-violent, Belizean law protects minors under 16 from such acts regardless of consent.
Represented by attorney Leslie Hamilton, Canul entered into the agreement with the Crown Counsel. The Crown recommended probation rather than incarceration, citing the “interest of justice” and a desire to keep the family unit together given the specific circumstances of the case.
Before finalizing the sentence, Justice Pilgrim conducted a hearing to ensure Canul understood that the court was not strictly bound by the Crown’s recommendation. However, after reviewing the facts, the Justice found it “expedient” to release Canul under strict supervision.
The three-year probation order, which became effective on December 16, 2025, carries several mandatory conditions. Canul must:
- Submit to supervision by a Community Rehabilitation Officer (CRO).
- Attend all required counseling sessions and appointments.
- Notify the CRO immediately of any change in residence.
- Comply with all reasonable directions and reporting schedules set by the CRO.
Justice Pilgrim issued a clear warning to Canul during the sentencing, emphasizing that the probation is not a free pass. The Justice noted that Canul must strictly obey every condition of the court order; failure to comply will result in the stay of execution being lifted, and Canul will be sent to prison to serve a custodial sentence.
The post Nelson Canul avoids prison following plea agreement for sexual intercourse with a minor appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Nelson Canul, 25, has been spared a prison sentence after pleading guilty to three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old minor. During a hearing in the High Court, Justice Nigel Pilgrim accepted a plea agreement that places the San Pedro resident on three years of supervised probation. The
The post Nelson Canul avoids prison following plea agreement for sexual intercourse with a minor appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
