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Offender Databases Shaun Thomas

Shaun David Thomas

Alias

.

Offences

Unprovoked assault on a Christchurch man in December 2005

Victims

.

Offender Affiliations

.

Gang affiliations

none known

Age

Born 1988

Current Location

unknown

Parole/Release Dates

Sentenced to nine months jail in July 2006 - but granted leave to apply for home detention
Released statutorily December 2006

Background
From Christchurch Press story July 2006
The victim of an unprovoked bashing in central Christchurch was knocked unconscious and suffered a dislocated shoulder and permanent scarring. The 35-year-old man was said by Christchurch District Court Judge Colin Doherty to have been minding his own business at 2am on December 18 when Shaun David Thomas set upon him as one of an alcohol-fuelled group travelling in two cars. Thomas, 18, a first offender, was jailed for nine months, with leave to apply for home detention, after he admitted a charge of injuring with reckless disregard for safety.

The judge said Thomas got out of a car and punched the victim in the face as he was trying to find a taxi. He was chased by Thomas's group and fell, dislocating his shoulder, and was knocked out. His girlfriend, who ran to his aid, was also attacked and had bottles thrown at her. The victim suffered serious discomfort from the dislocation and needed medical treatment after it dislocated again. He also suffered concussion, cuts and grazes, and would have permanent scarring of his right eye. He was badly affected financially and emotionally. "He understandably is aghast this sort of unprovoked attack could happen to him, particularly in the middle of the city," the judge said.

It appeared to be alcohol-driven, along with the effects of a group egging each other on. "The community is sick of this sort of thing happening in the middle of its city," the judge said. Lawyer Tony Greig said he accepted the courts were keen to discourage this type of offending. A strict curfew had already restricted Thomas's liberty, although he had breached it. Prosecutor Barnaby Hawes said it was a sustained, serious assault while the victim was incapacitated on the ground, and Thomas did not appear to show much remorse. The judge said Thomas continued to play down his role and shift responsibility to the victim. The fact the victim was knocked unconscious was serious and the courts took a stern approach, jail being inevitable, he said.

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Corrections and Additional Information
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