Bashing sentencing delay ‘disgusting’, says victim
An 81-year-old mother bashed by her son has decried another delay in his sentencing as “disgusting”.
June Geary voiced her opinion from the public seats as Douglas James Archer, 61, sacked another defence lawyer and got the case put off for a month.
“It’s disgusting,” said Mrs Geary. “How many different solicitors is he allowed to have?”
Archer had pleaded guilty during a Christchurch District Court jury trial, admitting charges of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to Mrs Geary, and his stepfather, Arthur Eaton, aged 72.
He was also for sentence on charges of theft, and unlawfully taking a car.
The charges related to an incident at the elderly parents’ St Martins home on March 1, 2013.
His sentencing had already been delayed because of disputed facts.
Just before the scheduled sentencing today was due to begin, defence counsel Allister Davis said Archer had told him he wished to dispense with his services.
After discussion, Judge Garland gave Mr Davis leave to withdraw, and Archer said he wanted to apply for another lawyer and get another sentencing date. The judge then remanded Archer in custody for sentencing on September 23.
He then explained to the family members who had come to the court that if the judge insisted on the sentencing go ahead, Archer might have his decision reviewed in a higher court, and that would mean the process would have to start again.
He told Mrs Geary that there was not an infinite number of counsel available to Archer and he was running short of his ability to get more.
“I would hope so,” said Mrs Geary.
“If he were to do this again, my decision might be somewhat different,” Judge Garland said.
Category: News
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