Cardiologist says he didn’t beat the teen who dated his daughter

John Gough

On February twenty-fourth News Five broke the story of the reported beating of a high school student by his girlfriend’s father, a prominent Belize City cardiologist, and his neighbor. Carlos and Sarli Zelaya, the parents of sixteen year old Carlos Jr., reported to police that their son was at the residence of Dr. John Gough visiting his daughter whom they say the teenager was dating.  Zelaya claimed that whilst leaving the home in Buttonwood Bay he was attacked and badly beaten by the thirty-eight year old doctor and his neighbor Egbert Nicholson.  Both men were charged for the offense of wounding.  When defense attorney Ellis Arnold questioned Nicholson in court today, he admitted to beating the young man in an act of self defense and that Gough never laid a hand on Zelaya.  Gough, who testified later, also told Magistrate Sharon Frazer that he did not hit Zelaya.  Gough admitted that the young man had visited his home on two occasions, the most recent being in December of 2009.  According to the doctor, Zelaya was trespassing on his premises and that Nicholson only acted in goodwill when they approached him.

During cross examination, however, the court prosecutor argued that Nicholson had no right to approach or hit Zelaya since the student wasn’t on his property.  The case has been adjourned for next Friday.  It is of note that the investigating officer who also took the stand today was asked about the delay in charging both men.  He responded that the delay was due to sickness and that the officer in charge instructed him not to press any charges.  The matter was then passed on to another high ranking officer who then proceeded to levy charges.