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Guilty Verdicts In Toilet Robbery (Press, 12 December 1981)

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Summary: Guilty Verdicts In Toilet Robbery (Press, 12 December 1981)

On 12 December 1981, a jury in the High Court concluded a five-and-a-half-hour deliberation, resulting in the conviction of two men for aggravated robbery that occurred in the Christchurch City Council car park toilets on Manchester Street. The defendants, 26-year-old Gary William McQuillan, a painter, and 23-year-old Stephen Barry Gordon, a barman, were found guilty of robbing Murray James Ward of $21 and clothing on 29 November 1980. After the verdict was read, Gordon was visibly emotional, sobbing at the announcement. In addition to the robbery charge, he was also convicted of using an offensive weapon, specifically a belt, during the crime. Justice Roper expressed gratitude towards the jury for their careful deliberation and highlighted McQuillan's extensive criminal history, which consisted of numerous past convictions related to dishonesty and violence, extending over two feet in length. In contrast, Gordon had only a few minor theft convictions. During the trial, evidence revealed that McQuillan and Gordon had forcibly entered a toilet cubicle occupied by Ward, a married man, and accused him of being a homosexual. They physically assaulted him, tightening his trouser belt around his neck to the point of near unconsciousness while also punching and kicking him in the face. The assault culminated in them stealing Ward's trousers and underpants. After the attack, a bleeding and battered Ward managed to leave the toilets and was subsequently assisted by a passing motorist to Christchurch Hospital for medical treatment. McQuillan and Gordon are set to be sentenced on 18 December 1981.

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Publish Date:12th December 1981
URL:https://www.pridenz.com/paperspast_chp19811212_2_34_5.html