Jury Told To Stay Calm (Press, 3 March 1977)

On 3 March 1977, the Supreme Court heard a troubling case involving an unlawful assembly and violent behaviour that occurred during an end-of-term party for sixth and seventh form students from Xavier and Sacred Heart Colleges. Ross Geoffrey Hodson, a 22-year-old unemployed man, pleaded not guilty to several charges, including being part of an unlawful assembly and assaulting Brian O'Donoghue. However, he admitted to assaulting another individual, Mark Richard Foley, on the same day. The events unfolded on 20 August 1976 when Mr and Mrs O'Donoghue hosted a party at their home on Flockton Street, St Albans, for their 16-year-old son and his friends. The parents left for a prayer meeting, returning at about 10.30 p.m. to check on their children and the situation at home. Shortly after, a group of around 25 individuals arrived at the O'Donoghue household and attempted to force entry. After being denied access, they smashed a glass panel in the front door and attempted to break down the door. Mr O'Donoghue confronted the gatecrashers, telling them they were trespassing and had not been invited. Most of the group dispersed, but a smaller group, including Hodson, remained and grew increasingly aggressive. It was claimed that Hodson, seen as the leader, instigated violence by waving a bottle and chanting a threatening phrase. During the confrontation, Mr O'Donoghue was struck on the head and knocked to the ground, where he was further assaulted. His wife, attempting to help him, was also seriously injured after being hit with an axe handle. A neighbour who came to assist was injured by a bottle thrown during the chaos. Throughout the evening, Mr O'Donoghue experienced significant injuries, requiring seven stitches in his head. In a statement made the following day, Hodson admitted to verbally abusing Mr O'Donoghue and using derogatory terms against him. Witness testimonies portrayed Hodson as being at the forefront of the group's aggression, highlighting his threatening language and behaviour. Crown prosecutor Mr S. G. Erber urged the jury to focus on the facts of the case, rather than be swayed by emotions related to the actions taken against a family within their community. Mr D. C. Fitzgibbon represented Hodson, who continued to maintain his innocence regarding the more severe charges related to the assault on Mr O'Donoghue. The jury was presented with overwhelming evidence indicating Hodson's central role in the violent gatecrashing incident, setting the stage for a scrutiny of community safety and youth behaviour in such scenarios. The case shed light on the impact of mob mentality and the serious consequences that result from group violence.

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