Man Thought Dead After Attack At Party (Press, 20 June 1989)

In a District Court hearing on 19 June 1989, a young woman testified about an incident involving Gary Leonard Wildermoth, who was allegedly assaulted by Raymond David Brown, a 29-year-old unemployed man, on the early morning of 23 April. The woman recounted that she believed Wildermoth was either dead or dying following the attack, during which Brown is accused of kicking him while wearing steel-capped boots. Witnesses provided chilling details about the incident, noting that while Wildermoth lay on the ground after the initial attack, someone at the party defaced him by writing “I’m gay” on his forehead, cutting off half his hair, drawing a swastika on his cheek, and inscribing “I’m dead” on his back. He also had a burn mark on his stomach. The Justices of the Peace, Mr G. M. Gray and Mrs C. M. Holmes, after hearing the prosecution's evidence, committed Brown for trial by jury on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Wildermoth and remanded him into custody. Prosecutor Sergeant Max South outlined the events leading to the assault, stating that Wildermoth and a woman were invited to a party after spending time at a hotel. During the gathering, Brown allegedly kicked Wildermoth near a pool table. After Wildermoth fell to the floor, Brown reportedly lifted him up multiple times, causing his head to hit the ground. Witness Suzanne Marie Ormandy, aged 20, observed the attack and recalled seeing Wildermoth bleeding and unconscious. Believing he might be dead, she called a friend for assistance. Ormandy returned to see the egregious vandalism done to Wildermoth’s appearance and noted Brown’s bizarre behaviour as he spoke of waking Wildermoth up with an axe, though he did not act on this threat. Instead, Brown and another individual later dragged Wildermoth out of the house and placed him against a fence, causing further injury as his head hit the fence. Once Wildermoth was taken home, he suffered convulsions, prompting an ambulance call. He was hospitalised for several weeks and, upon regaining consciousness, could only recall the events leading up to the attack, denying any homosexual orientation. Medical experts confirmed Wildermoth had suffered a fractured jaw, facial bruises, and brain injuries affecting his co-ordination and balance for months. Furthermore, police presented photographic evidence showing the writings and swastikas on Wildermoth’s body. During cross-examination, Ormandy clarified that she did not believe Brown had been responsible for cutting Wildermoth's hair or drawing on his body. In his defence, Brown claimed he had not witnessed any assault at the party.

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