Grafton CBD assault: Money dispute ends with a court conviction

“The victim said words to the effect ‘I’m going to kill you, kill your children’,” the man’s solicitor told the Court.

A quarrel over money has spilled over into an assault that left a man with a split lip and another man with a court conviction.

A quarrel over money has spilled over into an assault that left a man with a split lip and another man with a court conviction.

James Morris Hughes, 23, appeared in Grafton Local Court after pleading guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm.

According to the Police Fact Sheet tendered to the Court, a six-month disagreement over money lent to Hughes has led to the physical assault. The incident unfolded on July 15, 2021 when the victim and their partner were in the Grafton CBD running errands when they noticed a familiar vehicle following them closely behind.

The victim recognised the vehicle belonging to Hughes, the Fact Sheet states.

The victim pulled over to allow Hughes to pass, but instead, Hughes stopped his vehicle next to the victim. A verbal confrontation unfolded outside the two vehicles between the victim’s partner and Hughes’ partner, causing Hughes to exit his vehicle and become involved. The confrontation escalated to physical striking between the three parties, resulting in everyone becoming emotionally charged, Court documents state.

Throughout the ordeal, the victim remained in the driver seat of his car.

According to the Police Fact Sheet, as the three individuals made their way back to their vehicles, while walking past, a verbal argument ensued between the victim and Hughes with both exchanging verbal threats to one another.

Court documents state Hughes, with his right closed fist, punched the victim on his mouth, causing the bottom lip to split, begin bleeding and swelling. Hughes got into his vehicle, and the victim, with Hughes following behind, drove to Grafton Police Station.

Both parties were separated and spoken to where Hughes claimed he was acting in self-defence when he punched the victim.

However, according to the Police Fact Sheet, police ascertained that, given the victim’s limited mobility due to a congenital disorder and seated position during the altercation, it was unlikely the victim was a threat to Hughes at the time and was arrested.

Hughes’ defence submitted that while it was a serious offence, it was the result of provocation.

“The victim said words to the effect ‘I’m going to kill you, kill your children’,” Hughes’ solicitor said.

“While the matter was not in self-defence, Mr Hughes did perceive a threat to his family.”

Magistrate Kathy Crittenden responded by saying that “the only good thing about this incident is that (Hughes) got straight in the vehicle and both parties went to the police station immediately afterwards.”

Hughes was convicted of the offence and ordered to complete a 12-month Conditional Release Order.