Supreme Court Youth Charged With Wounding With... (Press, 24 April 1970)

In a trial that is part of a series of knife-related cases before the Supreme Court, 17-year-old Michael John Hamilton has been charged with wounding Stanley William Duggan with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and with threatening Mr Duggan for his gold watch on December 26, 1969. The proceedings, held on 23 April 1970, reveal a troubling incident that occurred when Mr Duggan, a 41-year-old Post Office telephonist, was returning home from a Christmas gathering. As Mr Duggan sought refuge from heavy rain on Gloucester Street, he encountered Hamilton and invited him to his flat for drinks. During their time together, Hamilton allegedly turned from cordial to menacing, brandishing a bread knife and demanding Mr Duggan's $76 watch. Despite Mr Duggan's refusal and attempts to put the watch away, Hamilton forced him to lie down, threatened him again, and then inflicted multiple stab wounds on his chest and abdomen. The injuries were described by Dr G. C. Archibald as slit-like lacerations, capable of being caused by the bread knife presented as evidence. Hamilton’s defence argued that he had acted in self-defence after Mr Duggan allegedly threatened him first. Constable B. E. Gausel, who encountered Hamilton later that night, testified that Hamilton claimed he had been attacked and had grabbed the knife from Duggan, resulting in his own injury. Mr Duggan, who was gravely injured, managed to call for help after losing consciousness, and his testimony indicated a state of fear and confusion during the assault. The courtroom noted a significant lack of memory from Mr Duggan regarding the attack, indicating the trauma he experienced. He acknowledged that factors such as fatigue and liquor could have contributed to his diminished recollection of events leading up to the stabbing. The interaction included various assertions about sexual undertones, which Mr Duggan denied while under cross-examination. Forensic evidence presented included bloody clothing found at the scene and a serrated-edged bread knife. Detective Sergeant R. G. McMeeking recounted Hamilton's version of events during a police interview, in which Hamilton suggested he thought Duggan might be homosexual and had tried on one of Duggan’s suits before the incident escalated. Hamilton admitted to losing his temper but insisted he did not fully grasp his actions at the time. As the trial progresses, it has garnered attention due to its serious implications regarding youth violence and the events that transpired during the festive season. The defence case is expected to commence, presenting Hamilton's side of the story and further examining the nature of his relationship with the victim prior to the incident.

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