Homosexual Overture To Jorgensen — Witness (Press, 14 August 1982)

On 14 August 1982, a preliminary hearing at the District Court focused on a case involving Ronald John Jorgensen, aged 49, who is accused of assaulting 66-year-old Charles William Richard Hands, a retired advertising executive from Kaikoura. The incident occurred on 26 May, and Jorgensen has pleaded not guilty. A witness, Wayne Thomas Smith, recounted events leading up to the alleged assault. Smith testified that he, Hands, and a friend, Silvo Reardon, were drinking at the Pier Hotel in Kaikoura on the night of the incident. After closing time, they took their drinks to Smith's father's home, where Jorgensen joined them at the invitation of Smith's father. The group enjoyed music and drinking together, but tensions arose after an argument between Jorgensen and Reardon erupted due to an old family feud. During the altercation, Hands intervened and began insulting Jorgensen, eventually calling him a “mother-f’ing parasite.” Following a physical confrontation, Jorgensen allegedly took hold of Hands by the lapels and, after some struggle, Hands fell and struck his head against various surfaces, ultimately collapsing to the floor. Smith reported hearing a significant noise later that night, prompting him to check on Hands, who was found on the floor, resulting in Smith discovering blood the following morning. Hands was subsequently taken to a doctor, where it was revealed he sustained severe injuries consistent with a beating. He did not recall the incident clearly due to the head trauma but stated he suffered lasting mental strain as a result. Dr Geoffrey Donald Gordon, who treated Hands, described his condition upon arrival at the clinic, noting significant injuries to his face and head, along with other minor abrasions. Although Hands’ injuries were not deemed life-threatening, Gordon confirmed that they could not have resulted from a fall alone. Further examination by pathologist Dr Leonard Lawrence Treadgold indicated that some of Hands' injuries were likely inflicted by fist strikes. Overall, evidence suggests the altercation escalated rapidly after Hands had made what appeared to be sexual advances towards Jorgensen earlier in the evening, which may have contributed to the conflict. The hearing will resume, and the case remains sensitive as various personal dynamics among the individuals involved are revealed. Jorgensen's representation indicated that his reactions to Hands' advances were not favourable, and the situation had been provoked by factors leading up to the incident.

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