Trial against Rupert Codd concludes in one day; accused of raping woman on picnic table near KHMH

By Breaking Belize News Staff: The rape trial of Rupert Codd wrapped up in a single day today before High Court Justice Derick Sylvester, leaving the Belize City man awaiting a verdict late this September.

The allegations stem from an incident on April 2, 2023. According to court testimony, the 31-year-old victim was walking toward the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) at around 4:00 a.m. to seek medical attention when a man—whom she later identified as Codd—began following her. She testified via video link that Codd held her at knifepoint, forced her onto a nearby picnic table just steps from the hospital, and raped her.

The Crown, represented by Crown Counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), presented 11 witnesses in total. Three witnesses took the stand in person: the victim, the arresting officer, and a forensic analyst. Statements for the remaining eight witnesses were formally agreed upon by both sides and read directly into evidence before the prosecution rested its case.

Taking the stand in his defense alongside his attorney, Michael Peyrefitte, Codd offered a sworn statement denying the assault entirely. He claimed that the woman had stolen his phone and wallet, and maintained that he only placed her onto the picnic table to recover his missing belongings.

“No sex, no rape occurred,” Codd testified.

Following the swift proceedings, Justice Sylvester reserved his verdict until September 29, 2026, when oral submissions will also be heard in open court. Both the Crown and defense counsel have been ordered to file their written closing arguments by July 31, 2026.

If convicted of rape, Codd faces a penalty ranging from a minimum of eight years to life imprisonment.

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