Victim Repeatedly Bashed—witness (Press, 9 August 1989)

Raymond David Brown, 30, is currently on trial in the High Court facing charges of assaulting Gary Leonard Wildermoth with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The incident took place during the early hours of Sunday, 23 April 1989, at a party located at 158 Halswell Road. A witness, Suzanne Marie Ormandy, provided critical testimony, describing how Brown kicked Wildermoth in the head with steel-capped boots, knocking him unconscious. During the assault, while Wildermoth was incapacitated, someone cut part of his hair and wrote derogatory messages and symbols on his body, including "I’m Gay" and a swastika on his forehead, and “I’m Dead” on his back and stomach. After this, Brown further attacked Wildermoth by banging his head against a wooden fence. The prosecution outlined that Wildermoth, who was drinking and playing pool at the bar prior to the assault, suffered serious injuries including head trauma, a broken jaw, and several other injuries that required a two-week hospital stay. Wildermoth, 22, testified that he attended the party with Ormandy after a day of drinking at local venues. He recalled playing pool but had no recollection of the moments leading to his attack until waking up in a hospital bed. His injuries have impacted his balance and mobility. In her testimony, Miss Ormandy recounted the atmosphere of the party, which included a mainly male guest list, with little interaction between the attendees. She witnessed Brown kick Wildermoth and described the moment as horrifying and surreal. After Brown allegedly threatened to harm Wildermoth further with an axe, he continued the assault outside by banging Wildermoth's head against the fence. When Miss Ormandy's friend arrived to pick them up, they found Wildermoth in a dire state, unconscious and bleeding. An ambulance was called, and he was taken to the hospital, with Miss Ormandy expressing disbelief at the severity of the attack. Cross-examination revealed that she had been drinking but maintained she was not drunk. The trial, which commenced with evidence from the prosecution, is expected to conclude today, with Brown denying all charges against him.

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