Wallingford
Punches took away my husband
 |
| Andrew Williams |
THE wife of a man who was left in a permanent coma after being punched at a party spoke of her guilt, as his attacker faced a "substantial" jail sentence.
Thomas Hurley, 22, was yesterday convicted of grievous bodily harm after admitting punching Andrew Williams at a party in Dorchester in February, 2007.
Mr Williams, 37, was punched several times by Hurley and suffered severe injuries when he fell to the floor and hit his head.
Mr Williams, a labourer from Didcot, now requires round-the-clock care in a nursing home and has to be fed through a tube.
Last night, Mr Williams's wife Susan, 32, said she felt no satisfaction at the verdict - and even felt some guilt for what had happened.
During the week-long trial at Oxford Crown Court, the jury heard that Hurley, formerly of Dorchester but now living in Portland, Dorset, had followed Mr Williams into the garden of the house in Bridge End because he believed he had been violent towards his wife.
But Mrs Williams, originally from Australia, said her husband had never hit her and their argument had been no more than a drunken disagreement.
She said: "I suppose I feel guilty, but I know I am not the one that took my hand to him."
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| Susan Williams and her family outside court |
Speaking about the verdict she said: "It is not going to bring Andy back.
"It is like half-grieving really. You can't grieve properly. My life has stopped, it has completely stopped."
She said her and her husband - who had a child from a previous relationship - had been about to start trying for children.
"I visit him every day," she said. I spend most of my time kissing him, trying to get him to respond to me.
"We have lost him. He is still with us physically. That is why it makes it hard to grieve because he is there in front of you - you can hear his heart beat."
Doctors say he will never wake up and have warned his family he is likely to die within five years.
The jury took almost six hours to clear Hurley of grievous bodily harm with intent - but convicted him of a lesser charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Hurley denied both charges and claimed he was only acting in self-defence.
Mr Williams's father Michael, 62, from Dorchester, said: "Hurley will get on with his life in a few years. He has made sure my son doesn't have a life."
Det Sgt Darren Cartwright, the officer in the case, said: "On the one hand you have got a relatively young man whose life has been effectively ended and on the other you have got a younger man whose life has effectively been ruined for the time being."
Judge Antonio Bueno adjourned sentencing until May 23.
Remanding Hurley in custody, he said: "You are facing a substantial sentence of imprisonment."
8:34am Thursday 8th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: andrew, oxford on 10:11am Thu 8 May 08
Tricky one: sounds like there is more than meets the eye. I hate women beaters so his motives, in my mind, were acceptable. He was excessive and deeply unlucky for this chap to have hurt himself from falling over but if he did hit his wife, he deserved it. And if he didn't, why was it an issue at all?
Tricky one: sounds like there is more than meets the eye. I hate women beaters so his motives, in my mind, were acceptable. He was excessive and deeply unlucky for this chap to have hurt himself from falling over but if he did hit his wife, he deserved it. And if he didn't, why was it an issue at all?
Posted by: Pal, Didcot on 10:33am Thu 8 May 08
I went to school with Tom he is a trutworthy, honest and decent bloke who's actions on this night were OTT but he doesnt deserve to be imprisoned. I feel for the family of the victim who have effectivley lost this man but im sure (having known tom years) that he never meant to put this man in a coma, Its just not in his nature. I do hope the judge takes everything into consideration when sentencing.
I went to school with Tom he is a trutworthy, honest and decent bloke who's actions on this night were OTT but he doesnt deserve to be imprisoned. I feel for the family of the victim who have effectivley lost this man but im sure (having known tom years) that he never meant to put this man in a coma, Its just not in his nature. I do hope the judge takes everything into consideration when sentencing.
Posted by: barns, oxford on 11:53am Thu 8 May 08
I think they should string this guy up ( noosing not break neck hanging ) in front of his family
I think they should string this guy up ( noosing not break neck hanging ) in front of his family
Posted by: Laughable, oxford on 12:09pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]barns[/bold] wrote:
I think they should string this guy up ( noosing not break neck hanging ) in front of his family[/quote] Yeah??!! because that would solve everything wouldnt it!! Why didnt the judge and jury think of that? Ur such a fuc*king clever dick barns! You should run for parliment!!
barns wrote:
I think they should string this guy up ( noosing not break neck hanging ) in front of his family
Yeah??!! because that would solve everything wouldnt it!! Why didnt the judge and jury think of that? Ur such a fuc*king clever dick barns! You should run for parliment!!
Posted by: M, Oxford on 12:16pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]Pal[/bold] wrote:
I went to school with Tom he is a trutworthy, honest and decent bloke who's actions on this night were OTT but he doesnt deserve to be imprisoned. I feel for the family of the victim who have effectivley lost this man but im sure (having known tom years) that he never meant to put this man in a coma, Its just not in his nature. I do hope the judge takes everything into consideration when sentencing.[/quote] I'm afraid he does deserve to go to jail. It may not have been his intent, but you punch somebody you intend to inflict pain and damage.
This young man's life is over and a family has lost someone they love, because, for whatever reason, he was followed and punched, not sending the attacker to prison, regardless of his nature, would be wrong.
I hope the judge takes this into account when sentencing, Thomas Hurley has effectively ended a life through actions he carried out conciously, he should pay the hefty price that comes with that action and its consequences.
Pal wrote:
I went to school with Tom he is a trutworthy, honest and decent bloke who's actions on this night were OTT but he doesnt deserve to be imprisoned. I feel for the family of the victim who have effectivley lost this man but im sure (having known tom years) that he never meant to put this man in a coma, Its just not in his nature. I do hope the judge takes everything into consideration when sentencing.
I'm afraid he does deserve to go to jail. It may not have been his intent, but you punch somebody you intend to inflict pain and damage.
This young man's life is over and a family has lost someone they love, because, for whatever reason, he was followed and punched, not sending the attacker to prison, regardless of his nature, would be wrong.
I hope the judge takes this into account when sentencing, Thomas Hurley has effectively ended a life through actions he carried out conciously, he should pay the hefty price that comes with that action and its consequences.
Posted by: Sad for all involved, Oxford on 12:23pm Thu 8 May 08
Sorry Pal but decent blokes don't go around appointing themselves judge, jury and executioner, and this case perfectly illustrates exactly why that is. It seems that instead of taking his concerns to the authorities, or even trying to find out if his assumption was correct, Tom decided to bash Andy - who as it turns out is completely innocent.
Andrew - it's an issue because Tom clearly got the wrong end of the stick and instead of trying to find out if he'd made the right assumption, he decided that physical violence was the answer.
It's a shame that so many people seem to think that it's okay to bash somebody just because you decide for whatever reason you hate them.
Sorry Pal but decent blokes don't go around appointing themselves judge, jury and executioner, and this case perfectly illustrates exactly why that is. It seems that instead of taking his concerns to the authorities, or even trying to find out if his assumption was correct, Tom decided to bash Andy - who as it turns out is completely innocent.
Andrew - it's an issue because Tom clearly got the wrong end of the stick and instead of trying to find out if he'd made the right assumption, he decided that physical violence was the answer.
It's a shame that so many people seem to think that it's okay to bash somebody just because you decide for whatever reason you hate them.
Posted by: barns on 12:27pm Thu 8 May 08
yes all part of the hang a hoodie campaign
ps its parliament
retard
yes all part of the hang a hoodie campaign
ps its parliament
retard
Posted by: the uninvolved, Everywhere on 2:27pm Thu 8 May 08
Some above comments are null and void they are mere opinoins to which you are all entitled don't get me wrong. However without sitting in the court room and hearing ALL the evidence you are doing what we all do and making brash assumptions. i think we would all agree no-one deserves to be in either situation. it is a very tragic event, which the outcomes no-one could have predicted. Im sure a fair judge would decide on appropriate sentencing bearing in mind although this young man may still have his life he can never escape his conscience. i wish everyone involved from both parties all the best and hope with this you can now begin to re-build and continue with your lives. you have my (and im sure im not alone) whole hearted respect.
Regards
The uninvolved
Some above comments are null and void they are mere opinoins to which you are all entitled don't get me wrong. However without sitting in the court room and hearing ALL the evidence you are doing what we all do and making brash assumptions. i think we would all agree no-one deserves to be in either situation. it is a very tragic event, which the outcomes no-one could have predicted. Im sure a fair judge would decide on appropriate sentencing bearing in mind although this young man may still have his life he can never escape his conscience. i wish everyone involved from both parties all the best and hope with this you can now begin to re-build and continue with your lives. you have my (and im sure im not alone) whole hearted respect.
Regards
The uninvolved
Posted by: Pal, didcot on 2:32pm Thu 8 May 08
We all make mistakes..thousands of people across the world do things in the heat of the moment they later regret(except barns whos obviously is a saint in disguise!)
We all make mistakes..thousands of people across the world do things in the heat of the moment they later regret(except barns whos obviously is a saint in disguise!)
Posted by: anon, Oxford on 3:10pm Thu 8 May 08
The 'heat of the moment' argument is not really a valid one when someone is left vegetating in a hospital bed for the remainder of their days.
Either Tom did hit Andrew causing him to fall and hit his head or he did not (the courts will decide that). If he did, then he has to be sentenced. Andrew is effectively dead, but not technically, so any sentence is likely to be lenient given the circumstances anyway. In a few years time, Tom will be released from prison and will be free to enjoy life again, to walk, to talk to his loved ones, to go on holiday, enjoy himself and live a normal life. Meanwhile Andrew will never do any of those things ever again, all because of Tom's actions in 'the heat of the moment'.
The 'heat of the moment' argument is not really a valid one when someone is left vegetating in a hospital bed for the remainder of their days.
Either Tom did hit Andrew causing him to fall and hit his head or he did not (the courts will decide that). If he did, then he has to be sentenced. Andrew is effectively dead, but not technically, so any sentence is likely to be lenient given the circumstances anyway. In a few years time, Tom will be released from prison and will be free to enjoy life again, to walk, to talk to his loved ones, to go on holiday, enjoy himself and live a normal life. Meanwhile Andrew will never do any of those things ever again, all because of Tom's actions in 'the heat of the moment'.
Posted by: J, oxford on 3:35pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote]Hurley, formerly of Dorchester but now living in Portland, Dorset, had followed Mr Williams into the garden of the house in Bridge End because he believed he had been violent towards his wife.[/quote]
So Hurley thought that Williams had been violent towards his wife, his wife said he hadn't and never had, so Hurley, the man who apparently approached Williams due to him being against violence, then punched him several times?
An oxymoron at its best. This guy deserves a very long prison sentence. You do NOT punch other people. He needs to accept the consequence of his actions.
Hurley, formerly of Dorchester but now living in Portland, Dorset, had followed Mr Williams into the garden of the house in Bridge End because he believed he had been violent towards his wife.
So Hurley thought that Williams had been violent towards his wife, his wife said he hadn't and never had, so Hurley, the man who apparently approached Williams due to him being against violence, then punched him several times?
An oxymoron at its best. This guy deserves a very long prison sentence. You do NOT punch other people. He needs to accept the consequence of his actions.
Posted by: the uninvolved, everywhere on 3:53pm Thu 8 May 08
Yes, i apologise but in my view the epitome of an oxymoron would be police intelligence.
Yes, i apologise but in my view the epitome of an oxymoron would be police intelligence.
Posted by: Anon, oxford on 4:02pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]J[/bold] wrote:
[quote]Hurley, formerly of Dorchester but now living in Portland, Dorset, had followed Mr Williams into the garden of the house in Bridge End because he believed he had been violent towards his wife.[/quote] So Hurley thought that Williams had been violent towards his wife, his wife said he hadn't and never had, so Hurley, the man who apparently approached Williams due to him being against violence, then punched him several times? An oxymoron at its best. This guy deserves a very long prison sentence. You do NOT punch other people. He needs to accept the consequence of his actions.[/quote] Because his wife said he hadn't hit her doesnt mean that he didn't though does it?! If he's in a coma practically dead would you want to brandish your husband as a wife beater? Hurley didn't disapprove of violence, but violence towards women. Being on the receiving end of a previous violent relationship myself i would have been eternally gratefull if on any occasion a stranger would have intervened when i was being attacked. And before you all respond with the ' why was you with him,you should have got out of there sooner bull' I have now!
J wrote:
Hurley, formerly of Dorchester but now living in Portland, Dorset, had followed Mr Williams into the garden of the house in Bridge End because he believed he had been violent towards his wife.
So Hurley thought that Williams had been violent towards his wife, his wife said he hadn't and never had, so Hurley, the man who apparently approached Williams due to him being against violence, then punched him several times? An oxymoron at its best. This guy deserves a very long prison sentence. You do NOT punch other people. He needs to accept the consequence of his actions.
Because his wife said he hadn't hit her doesnt mean that he didn't though does it?! If he's in a coma practically dead would you want to brandish your husband as a wife beater? Hurley didn't disapprove of violence, but violence towards women. Being on the receiving end of a previous violent relationship myself i would have been eternally gratefull if on any occasion a stranger would have intervened when i was being attacked. And before you all respond with the ' why was you with him,you should have got out of there sooner bull' I have now!
Posted by: Too good, Near you on 4:08pm Thu 8 May 08
In 1801 walking on the kings highway with a dirty face was a hangable offence. which shows you how far our legal system has come, so perhaps we could discuss this without comments like that eh barnes.
In 1801 walking on the kings highway with a dirty face was a hangable offence. which shows you how far our legal system has come, so perhaps we could discuss this without comments like that eh barnes.
Posted by: KrayeR, Near you on 4:12pm Thu 8 May 08
In 1801 walking on the kings highway with a dirty face was a hangable offence. which shows you how far our legal system has come, so perhaps we could discuss this without comments like that eh barnes.
In 1801 walking on the kings highway with a dirty face was a hangable offence. which shows you how far our legal system has come, so perhaps we could discuss this without comments like that eh barnes.
Posted by: Me, oxford on 4:49pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]barns[/bold] wrote:
yes all part of the hang a hoodie campaign ps its parliament retard[/quote] Where in the article does it say he was wearing a hooded top?!!?? Oh no sorry hes 22 so he must have been! So quick to judge..guilty by association as per usual..youths of today eh!
barns wrote:
yes all part of the hang a hoodie campaign ps its parliament retard
Where in the article does it say he was wearing a hooded top?!!?? Oh no sorry hes 22 so he must have been! So quick to judge..guilty by association as per usual..youths of today eh!
Posted by: J, Oxford on 5:17pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]Anon[/bold] wrote:
Because his wife said he hadn't hit her doesnt mean that he didn't though does it?! If he's in a coma practically dead would you want to brandish your husband as a wife beater? Hurley didn't disapprove of violence, but violence towards women. Being on the receiving end of a previous violent relationship myself i would have been eternally gratefull if on any occasion a stranger would have intervened when i was being attacked. And before you all respond with the ' why was you with him,you should have got out of there sooner bull' I have now![/quote]
Whether it's a man or woman is irrelevant.
Violence is violence.
Even if he HAD hit his wife, that makes Hurley equally as much as a scum bag for hitting him. If you're stupid enough to hit someone, you take the consequences that go with it. In this case, Hurley nearly killed the guy, and should rightfully be jailed.
Anon wrote:
Because his wife said he hadn't hit her doesnt mean that he didn't though does it?! If he's in a coma practically dead would you want to brandish your husband as a wife beater? Hurley didn't disapprove of violence, but violence towards women. Being on the receiving end of a previous violent relationship myself i would have been eternally gratefull if on any occasion a stranger would have intervened when i was being attacked. And before you all respond with the ' why was you with him,you should have got out of there sooner bull' I have now!
Whether it's a man or woman is irrelevant.
Violence is violence.
Even if he HAD hit his wife, that makes Hurley equally as much as a scum bag for hitting him. If you're stupid enough to hit someone, you take the consequences that go with it. In this case, Hurley nearly killed the guy, and should rightfully be jailed.
Posted by: anon, dorchester on 9:15pm Thu 8 May 08
Spooky the suggestion that Hurley wears a hoodie being mentioned cos guess what.... he walks around Dorchester all the time with one on, [bold]speak to anyone who lives there..[/bold]
Spooky the suggestion that Hurley wears a hoodie being mentioned cos guess what.... he walks around Dorchester all the time with one on,
speak to anyone who lives there.. Posted by: anondisliker, dorchester on 9:36am Fri 9 May 08
speak to me i live there. and walk around dressed in a hoodie how do you know its not me you have seen
speak to me i live there. and walk around dressed in a hoodie how do you know its not me you have seen
Posted by: Anon, Abingdon on 10:47am Fri 9 May 08
I just wanted to post to say that I know Mrs Williams and at no point did Mr Williams hit Mrs Williams. I think everone who is commenting should remember that Mrs Williams is having to deal with the situation every day of her life for an unspecifed period of time, this man will no doubt spend sometime in prison and then be able to get on with his life. Mr williams wife , child and family will not.
I just wanted to post to say that I know Mrs Williams and at no point did Mr Williams hit Mrs Williams. I think everone who is commenting should remember that Mrs Williams is having to deal with the situation every day of her life for an unspecifed period of time, this man will no doubt spend sometime in prison and then be able to get on with his life. Mr williams wife , child and family will not.
Posted by: Thankyou, Dorchester on 11:02am Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]anondisliker[/bold] wrote:
speak to me i live there. and walk around dressed in a hoodie how do you know its not me you have seen [/quote] Here here...Thankyou. Im also a young adult from dorchester. I also on the odd occasion were a hooded top. Wanna hang me to barns[bold]bold[/bold] ?!
anondisliker wrote:
speak to me i live there. and walk around dressed in a hoodie how do you know its not me you have seen
Here here...Thankyou. Im also a young adult from dorchester. I also on the odd occasion were a hooded top. Wanna hang me to barns ?!
Posted by: anon/barnesdisliker, dorchester on 12:31pm Fri 9 May 08
A hooded top is an item of clothing, not a character statement. we never questioned your teddy boy suits or flares. isnt that rite thankyou
A hooded top is an item of clothing, not a character statement. we never questioned your teddy boy suits or flares. isnt that rite thankyou
Posted by: Susan Williams, Didcot on 1:32pm Fri 9 May 08
To Andy
I love you with all my heart, and miss you every second of the day. No matter what anyone ever says, I know the [bold]truth[/bold]. You were a very loving & caring husband & father. All couples should be lucky enough to have love in their lives like we had.
To the public
Everybody has the right to an opinion; however, I do believe that unless you were in the court room over the last week, you do not have all the facts to make an accurate judgement. My husband was a wonderful man, and though we had our disagreements (like every married couple), he certainly [bold]did not[/bold] have an aggressive nature. On more than one occasion he helped to save the life of another - not the actions of a aggressor....
To Andy
I love you with all my heart, and miss you every second of the day. No matter what anyone ever says, I know the
truth. You were a very loving & caring husband & father. All couples should be lucky enough to have love in their lives like we had.
To the public
Everybody has the right to an opinion; however, I do believe that unless you were in the court room over the last week, you do not have all the facts to make an accurate judgement. My husband was a wonderful man, and though we had our disagreements (like every married couple), he certainly
did not have an aggressive nature. On more than one occasion he helped to save the life of another - not the actions of a aggressor....
Posted by: kathleen, Wallingford on 2:07pm Fri 9 May 08
Well said, Susan. You are a very courageous lady, I trust this will stop the above ridiculous commentaries, no-one deserves this type of rubbish. Get a life you lot, leave this family alone, they have enough to put up with without idiots like you who think you know it all but know nothing!
Well said, Susan. You are a very courageous lady, I trust this will stop the above ridiculous commentaries, no-one deserves this type of rubbish. Get a life you lot, leave this family alone, they have enough to put up with without idiots like you who think you know it all but know nothing!
Posted by: Simon, Didcot on 2:46pm Fri 9 May 08
You lot can be some right viscious B*****s at times. No one wins, no one. One punch no matter how lame can cause repocussions for the rest of your life. This poor family have lost a dad to all intents and purposes, and you all sit behind your keyboards at work, bleating out your opinions on a case you have **** all knowledge of. I am not sticking up for anyone here, there is nothing but losers, no winners.
This whole story is just so ****** sad.
You lot can be some right viscious B*****s at times. No one wins, no one. One punch no matter how lame can cause repocussions for the rest of your life. This poor family have lost a dad to all intents and purposes, and you all sit behind your keyboards at work, bleating out your opinions on a case you have **** all knowledge of. I am not sticking up for anyone here, there is nothing but losers, no winners.
This whole story is just so ****** sad.
Posted by: Abingdon Resident, Abingdon on 3:31pm Fri 9 May 08
Susan, my heart goes out to you in this difficult time. I realise that I know nothing of a)what happened in your relationship or b)what was said in the court room, however, whatever happened throughout your relationship, it has nothing to do with anyone else. I think the sentence that is given, will be too much for his family and not enough for yours, but I'm sure that the judge will be fair in his ruling. Also when Tom does get out of prison, I'm sure there are people who will remember what he did and to quote the saying "what goes aroung, comes around"
Revenge is a dish best served cold. He'll get his comeupance.
Susan, my heart goes out to you in this difficult time. I realise that I know nothing of a)what happened in your relationship or b)what was said in the court room, however, whatever happened throughout your relationship, it has nothing to do with anyone else. I think the sentence that is given, will be too much for his family and not enough for yours, but I'm sure that the judge will be fair in his ruling. Also when Tom does get out of prison, I'm sure there are people who will remember what he did and to quote the saying "what goes aroung, comes around"
Revenge is a dish best served cold. He'll get his comeupance.
Posted by: Wife & Mother, abingdon on 9:04pm Fri 9 May 08
Here, here Kathleen of Wallingford. Enough has been said, let the subject be closed.
Here, here Kathleen of Wallingford. Enough has been said, let the subject be closed.
Posted by: anon, didcot on 10:38am Mon 12 May 08
Guilt....she feels guilt....wonder why? maybe the truth will immerge one day after all.
Guilt....she feels guilt....wonder why? maybe the truth will immerge one day after all.
Posted by: kathleen, Wallingford on 12:54pm Mon 12 May 08
So who are you ANON got something to say then have the guts to sign your comments, otherwise pull your head in and leave these families alone.
So who are you ANON got something to say then have the guts to sign your comments, otherwise pull your head in and leave these families alone.
Posted by: Susan Williams, Didcot on 1:37pm Mon 12 May 08
I feel no guilt about what has happened to the defendant, only guilt that the last conversation I had with my husband, before he was effectively killed, was an argument.
The truth was dealt with in the court room, all members of the jury (general members of the public) came to the same conclusion. Do you not think what I'm going through is enough, without having to deal with sick comments like the above? There is [bold]no excuse[/bold] for what happened that night.
I feel no guilt about what has happened to the defendant, only guilt that the last conversation I had with my husband, before he was effectively killed, was an argument.
The truth was dealt with in the court room, all members of the jury (general members of the public) came to the same conclusion. Do you not think what I'm going through is enough, without having to deal with sick comments like the above? There is
no excuse for what happened that night.
Posted by: John Peters, Didcot on 1:42pm Mon 12 May 08
[quote][bold]anon[/bold] wrote:
Guilt....she feels guilt....wonder why? maybe the truth will immerge one day after all.
[/quote] What a gutless and moronic comment by someone who naturally wants to remain anonymous. Explain yourself, but I will not hold my breathe, otherwise SHUT UP.
anon wrote:
Guilt....she feels guilt....wonder why? maybe the truth will immerge one day after all.
What a gutless and moronic comment by someone who naturally wants to remain anonymous. Explain yourself, but I will not hold my breathe, otherwise SHUT UP.
Posted by: Robert, Wales on 3:14pm Mon 12 May 08
Perhaps make the punishment fit the crime.
A chemically induced coma until recovery of the victim.
Perhaps make the punishment fit the crime.
A chemically induced coma until recovery of the victim.
Posted by: Rachel, oxford on 8:25pm Mon 12 May 08
I have to say that the measured replies by Susan Williams, given what she has and will have to endure, are to be highly commended. They rise above the variety of mindless comments which this sad event has generated. However, it takes all sorts to make a world, even down to the level of the single brain celled morons who post such comments.
I have to say that the measured replies by Susan Williams, given what she has and will have to endure, are to be highly commended. They rise above the variety of mindless comments which this sad event has generated. However, it takes all sorts to make a world, even down to the level of the single brain celled morons who post such comments.
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