For Trial On Beer Glass Charge

Sydney Morning Herald

Wednesday May 20, 1987

A man has been committed for trial for the alleged malicious wounding with a beer glass of a Mt Colah apprentice carpenter at a Hornsby club in March.

Allan Wrightson, 38, labourer, of Geddes Place, Cabramatta, told Hornsby Court this week he pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence. After hearing prosecution evidence the magistrate, Mr Roger Davey, committed Wrightson for trial to the present sittings of the Sydney Western District Court, Parramatta. He continued bail.

Mr Percy John Giuffre, apprentice carpenter, of Pacific Highway, told of the incident at Hornsby RSL Club on March 6 which allegedly led to him having stitches inserted in his chin.

He was drinking with friends in the auditorium of the club when he saw two men walking towards him. He had drunk three or four schooners of beer during the night and was holding a glass in his right hand.

Mr Giuffre said he knew both men previously and knew one (Wrightson) by the name of Herbie. They walked past him and the other man "elbowed me in the chest". He flicked a cigarette he had been holding towards them.

He had been asked by a barman to explain his actions in front of the two men and alleged that Wrightson punched him on the face. He alleged that Wrightson hit him a second time and that there had been "a lot of blood".

Mr Giuffre said he went later to Hornsby Hospital where he had stitches inserted in a gash on his chin. He also had a cut on the right cheek and a bleeding nose.

Questioned by Mr Harry Wanstall, counsel for Wrightson, Mr Giuffre denied that he was very intoxicated and that he had thrown the contents of his glass into the defendant's face. He also denied lunging at Wrightson with his beer glass.

Mr Douglas Adams, bar attendant, of Greystanes, said he was on duty at the time and witnessed the alleged incident which had happened at about midnight. He called Mr Giuffre over after seeing him flick a cigarette at two men. Beer from Mr Giuffre's glass had accidentally spilled on Wrightson when he moved an arm to indicate Wrightson.

Wrightson had then allegedly pushed Mr Giuffre's glass twice, hitting him in the face with it the second time. Mr Adams said Wrightson pushed the glass into Mr Giuffre's face.

Mrs Deirdre Clarke, bar attendant, of Hornsby, said she was carrying glasses towards the bar when the alleged incident occurred. She saw Wrightson push a glass into Mr Giuffre's face.

"When the glass shattered I bent down because it was coming my way," she said.