Homosexual Denial By Witness In Jorgensen Case (Press, 6 October 1982)

Ronald John Jorgensen, a 49-year-old artist, is on trial in the District Court for allegedly assaulting 66-year-old Charles William Richard Hands last May in Kaikoura. The trial began on 6 October 1982, with Hands denying claims regarding his sexual orientation, stating firmly, "I am not a homosexual." He presented himself as a married man, despite mentioning a separation from his wife two years prior. Prosecutor N. W. Williamson outlined the key details of the case, noting that on the evening of 26 May, Hands had been at the Pier Hotel where he met Jorgensen and Wayne Smith. After leaving the hotel, Hands accompanied Smith to visit Smith's father. Jorgensen reportedly arrived about half an hour later, and after a singsong, Hands recalled waking up in a Christchurch hospital two days later with injuries to his face and head. Williamson explained that an argument had erupted between Jorgensen and another individual, Michael Reardon, and that Hands intervened by insulting Jorgensen, which led to Jorgensen slapping him after demanding an apology. Testimony from Constable A. T. Duncan indicated Jorgensen had admitted to hitting Hands after being insulted, although Jorgensen had originally described the act as a mere "light tag." The prosecutor highlighted the simplicity of the case, stating that the Crown's position is that Jorgensen struck Hands in the face, an admission made by Jorgensen to the police. While Jorgensen claimed his actions were justified due to insults and a supposed homosexual gesture from Hands, Williamson pointed out that such provocation does not warrant a violent response. During cross-examination, Hands denied numerous allegations made against him, including those of making homosexual gestures and being aggressive. He implied that any discrepancies in testimonies, particularly those of Wayne Smith, might stem from intimidation or exaggeration. Smith agreed that everyone had been drinking that night and indicated that Hands had behaved differently than he normally would. Despite Jorgensen's claims, Smith did not see any blatant act of violence towards Hands. He reported witnessing Hands's altered state due to alcohol but denied any observations of brutal physical harm occurring at the hands of Jorgensen. Smith later discovered evidence of blood and vomit after the incident, which raised further questions during the testimony. The trial is expected to last three days, with multiple witnesses set to provide their accounts, including those who knew Hands for many years, to support his side of the narrative. A key point of contention is whether Jorgensen's reaction was proportionate to the alleged provocations, and both sides confront the circumstances leading to the injuries suffered by Hands.

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