Nightclub Manager Fined For Assault (Press, 28 April 1988)

On 28 April 1988, Bruce Herbert Williamson, the manager of the Menage nightclub in Christchurch, was convicted and fined for assaulting a rival nightclub owner's bouncer. The legal proceedings took place at the District Court, where Williamson faced two assault charges stemming from an altercation outside the Dorian Society nightclub on 24 October 1987. During the incident, Williamson, aged 33 and a company director, attempted to enter the Dorian Society club for an event where he believed he was to receive an award. He and his companions, who were carrying eggs, were denied entry as they did not have tickets, which had been presold, and were not members of the club. Tensions escalated when bouncer Darren Ronald Graham informed Williamson that he could not enter. Responding to Graham's warning about trespassing, Williamson assaulted him, hitting him multiple times and causing injuries that included a broken tooth and a cut lip. Witnesses testified about Williamson's aggressive behaviour during the confrontation. Mr. Rex Edyvean, another witness, described how Williamson attempted to provoke Graham further and eventually punched Edyvean in the nose, resulting in swelling that lasted for weeks. Williamson, while in his defence, admitted to punching Graham but claimed it was a single hit and asserted that he was being provoked. He disputed the witnesses' accounts, suggesting they were lying to discredit him. Judge Noble ultimately convicted Williamson for the assault on Mr. Graham and imposed a fine of $200 along with $250 to cover witnesses' expenses. However, the charge involving Mr. Edyvean was dismissed as the circumstances during the scuffle were too chaotic to determine the event clearly. The judge also expressed concern regarding the actions of bouncers using handcuffs, warning that such conduct could lead to civil claims of unlawful arrest or detention in the future. The case highlighted the complexities of authority and responsibility among nightclub security personnel in managing confrontations with patrons.

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