Charlie Vincent Quinlan: West Kempsey man pleads guilty to reckless wounding after stabbing ‘uncle’ at Grafton

A Kempsey teen responded to threats by his Grafton “uncle” while trying to perform a home tattoo by stabbing the man and causing nasty injuries requiring surgery. Now, he’s faced court.

Grafton Local Court

A teenager brutally stabbed his “uncle” and caused injuries requiring surgery after an argument broke out during a home tattoo job at a party at a South Grafton residence.

West Kempsey man Charlie Quinlan, 19, was threatened by the man while trying to do the tattoo, later returned and “and stabbed the victim in the right stomach area”.

The family friend, who was affectionately referred to as “uncle”, underwent surgery, requiring suturing of his bowel. He also suffered a laceration to his liver, Grafton Local Court was told.

Charlie Quinlan outside Grafton Local Court.

On the way to the hospital, the victim bizarrely decided to stop at a home he believed Quinlan lived in to throw rocks at the premises.

Quinlan faced the court on Thursday, pleading guilty to reckless wounding on October 8 last year. Police were not able to determine which sharp object was used in the attack.

Documents tendered to the court reveal Quinlan stabbed the man during a formerly friendly get together involving drinks at the victim’s home.

Quinlan drank alcohol and also consumed cannabis at the party, the court heard.

Police detailed the events leading up to the stabbing: “At some stage (Quinlan) asked the victim if he could give him a tattoo.”

Quinlan stabbed a man, who then needed surgery to treat serious wounds.

“The victim agreed and Quinlan began setting up the tattoo equipment,” police facts state.

Quinlan frustrated his “uncle” by interrupting conversations several times, repeatedly asking how to use the tattoo equipment and how soon he could give him a tattoo.

“The victim became aggressive towards (Quinlan) and said, ‘I’ll chop you up’ and other verbal threats,” the documents state.

Quinlan left and returned later to carry out the attack, which the victim was none the wiser about until his condition worsened.

“The victim stated he felt like he had been winded and was unaware at the time he had been stabbed,” police facts state.

Quinlan will return to court to be sentenced at a later date.

Quinlan fled after the stabbing and the victim noticed blood coming from a wound on his stomach.

He initially refused medical aid or the help of police officers and paramedics, the court was told.

In court, Quinlan’s case was adjourned for a sentencing assessment report to be prepared.

He is due to return to court for sentencing on July 3.