Use of knife deplored

Press, 29 March 1980, Page 5

Use of knife deplored

A chronic alcoholic with brain damage, who has numerous convictions for assault and violence, was jailed for 11 months by Mr Justice Somers in the Supreme Court yesterday.

William Joseph Devereaux, aged 35, a hotel porter, had been found guilty by a jury in the Supreme Court at Greymouth on a charge of assaulting Sidney Joseph Samways, aged 77, with intent to injure. Evidence was given at the trial that Devereaux on Christmas Day had a confrontation with Mr Samways in the singlemen’s quarters at Muritai House at Greymouth. Devereaux left with the threat that he would fix Mr Samways.

Devereaux came out of his hut screaming; “I’ll get you, you bastard,” and lunged at Mr Samways with a knife. He put up his arm to protect himself and suffered injuries from the knife which required 29 stitches. Mr C. D. Eason, for Devereaux, said that the two men involved in the incident had known each other for a considerable time. Mr Samways, who quickly recovered from his injuries and suffered no permanent disability apart from scarring, had forgiven Devereaux.

When the offence was committed Devereaux was in a very confused state. He had twice been assaulted and suffered a cut lip and had been knocked to the ground.