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Offender Databases Charles Short

Charles Robin Short

Alias

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Offences

Two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, relating to the stabbing of two men in Cambridge in July 2009

Victims

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Offender Affiliations

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Gang affiliations

none known

Age

Born 1986

Current Location

Prison

Parole/Release Dates

Sentenced to 5 years 2 months in October 2009

Background
WAIKATO TIMES, 24th October 2009
A 23-year-old man convicted of stabbing two Cambridge men was seen laughing during the bloody attack. Charles Robin Short, was sentenced yesterday at the Hamilton District Court to five years and two months' jail after pleading guilty to two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The late-night attack, on July 31 this year, happened near the northwest end of the Cambridge town centre.

The two victims, aged 31 and 34, required surgery for their stab wounds, with one man's injuries described as life threatening. The court was told Short and a female associate were walking home along Victoria St, about 11.30pm, when they encountered the two men. Short approached the pair in an agitated state and accused them of laughing at him. He then punched one of the men in the face, knocking his glasses off, before running off.

The men called after Short, saying he should come back and pay for the glasses. Short came at them with a knife, stabbing one man in the back and the second man in the face and arm. Witnesses described Short as laughing throughout the attack. Short then told his associate to flee before "the pigs" arrived. Crown prosecutor Phillip Cornege said Short's actions represented extreme, unprovoked violence.

The defendant was fortunate he was not facing a murder charge, Mr Cornege said. Defence counsel Russell Boot said Short was unable to explain his behaviour, only to say his actions were callous and thoughtless. In sentencing, Judge Melanie Harland said Short's attack had a profound affect on his two victims, with one saying he thought he "would be safe in a place like Cambridge".

Both of the men endured lengthy rehabilitation and emotional stress. Judge Harland said it was a concern that Short had a knife, and was prepared to use it. However, the judge gave Short credit for his earlier guilty pleas and his expressions of remorse. She said Short's prospects for rehabilitation were good.

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Corrections and Additional Information
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