Coast Guard Assisting Police with Investigation of Attempted Rape
John Borland
The fate of a coastguard sailor who brutally pummeled a pair of men in Ladyville on Monday morning also hangs in the balance, as Ladyville police are yet to record a statement from the victims, to determine whether or not the seaman acted in self-defense. As we reported, the twenty-four-year-old resident of Orange Walk was socializing at the home of the men where they were all consuming alcohol. During their time together, the men purportedly attempted to rape the officer, who fought them off with a machete and a chisel, inflicting multiple injuries on them. His alleged attackers remain hospitalized. Earlier today, News Five spoke with Commander John Borland of the Belize National Coast Guard. While he is aware of the incident, he told us that they are awaiting the outcome of the police investigation to determine what course of action will be taken in dealing with the sailor.
Reporter
“There was an incident that occurred over the weekend, coming into Monday morning, involving another coastguard officer, albeit under some rather peculiar circumstances. Can you share with us any report from that officer to you as to either what transpired or what’s to happen from your end as the coastguard?”
John Borland, Commander, BNCG
“I haven’t spoken to the sailor in question at this point. My adjutant had spoken to the police and with him via telephone which he was privileged to. Up to yesterday, and again, this new incident with this person being shot has taken away much of the effort that we were putting in on the other case and again, not much more than what’s been reported in the news, you know. He was involved in an altercation, he said he had to defend himself against adversaries, attackers. We heard what transpired. But again, like the police said, that’s his side of the story [and] they need to get the full story from the other two persons involved. And in both cases, we trust that police are doing their due diligence, their investigations and we’ll right what is wrong in both instances.”
Isani Cayetano
“If it is that this particular officer is, or sailor is found to be culpable, what happens on the end of the coast guard? What do you guys do in a situation like this?”
John Borland
“Well it depends on what charges police will bring against him. As you hear, you know, the people were wounded, you know, whatever the charges are then that gets tried criminally, in a criminal court and if he is found guilty, the regulations say that if you are found guilty in a criminal court then administratively you have to move on with your life. I mean, we cannot allow a convicted criminal to continue serving in a disciplined organization.”
The attack reportedly took place at a residence on Perez Road in Ladyville.
