High Court Rejects Guilty Plea in Belize City Rape Case

A 52-year-old Belize City man indicted for rape was not allowed to proceed with a guilty plea after the High Court ruled that he must first obtain legal representation.  Cecil Gilbert Franklin, also known as “GI Joe,” appeared before Justice Candace Nanton on Friday where he was formally charged with one count of rape. During arraignment, Franklin, who was unrepresented, entered a guilty plea “with an explanation,” a move the court considered irregular given the seriousness of the offence.  Justice Nanton explained that because Franklin did not have an attorney, the court could not safely accept the plea. She therefore rejected it and granted him time to seek legal advice. His next court date has been set for March 23.  Franklin told the court he had been held in lockdown conditions for an extended period and claimed he lost disclosure documents after being moved between cells.  The charge stems from an incident reported on October 21, 2024. Police say a 58-year-old woman reported that shortly before 9:00 p.m., as she entered her apartment, Franklin allegedly grabbed her from behind, held a knife to her throat, forced her inside, and sexually assaulted her on the bed.  Authorities say a neighbour heard the disturbance and alerted police, leading to Franklin’s detention shortly after the incident.  The matter remains before the High Court.