7 News Belize

Desho Gabourel Convicted of Grievous Harm, Fined But Not Confined
posted (January 29, 2015)
57 year-old Dennis "Desho" Gabourel, who had to go public to dispel rumors that he was somehow responsible for the fire which killed his mother, 82 year Erceline Gabourel, is steering down a hefty fine after he was sentenced to pay $10,000 for a conviction of grievous harm in the Supreme Court. He was accused raping a woman and then coming back and beating her.

The incidents happened more than 10 years ago, on September 19, 2003. The victim testified that at around 12:30 a.m., she finished her work at the KHMH and asked Gabourel for a ride home. But she claims that instead of taking her home, Gabourel drove her to the "hangar" area near to the Belize City Municipal Airport where he raped her.

He took her home afterwards, and a few hours later when she went to the backdoor, she was surprised to see Gabourel there. She says that he forced his way in, knocked her unconscious and she woke up bleeding from the nose, with a swollen eye.

Because of her report to police Gabourel was charged with rape and grievous harm. In his defence, he gave an unchallenged statement from the dock. He admitted that he had sex with her, but he claims it was consensual. He also admitted to going back to the house, but he claims that the woman attacked him. He claims that he moved out of the way, and she fell and hit her face while going down.

Yesterday, after deliberating for 2 hours, a jury of 9 convicted him of grievous harm, but acquitted him of rape.

After his mitigation plea today, Justice Troadio Gonzalez decided not to hand him a custodial sentence. Instead, the judge sentenced him to a fine of $10,000 by May 31, and if he defaults, he'll spend 3 years in Jail. Additionally, he must pay $3,000 compensation to the complainant by July 30. Crown Counsel Kileru Awich prosecuted the case, and Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson represented Gabourel in the case.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize