Editor's note: This article is a corrected version due to some earlier information that was incorrect. Chamney's mother was not present at the time of the incident. The Mercury apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused.
John Karl Chamney has recently completed his red-seal journeyman training as an industrial mechanic, but an ill-thought-out sucker punch nearly sunk his new career’s opportunities.
Chamney appeared before Estevan Provincial Court on Monday, where he pleaded guilty to a charge to common assault. There was no agreement on sentencing, however, as the Crown prosecutor was seeking a nine to 12-month conditional sentence order, and the defence sought a conditional discharge that would leave Chamney without an addition to a criminal record.
On March 22, police were called to Gibby’s Pub, where the owner had been assaulted outside. Chamney was being held down by the bouncer, who detained him until police arrived. The incident happened somewhere between midnight and 1 a.m.
The pub’s owner had received information that Chamney had a drink in his hand outside. He told Chamney that he couldn’t take the drink outside. That’s when Chamney turned and struck the pub’s owner.
Crown prosecutor Mitch Crumley said, “In the old days, we called it a sucker punch. In this case, he had a glass in his hand.”
Crumley clarified that the glass was made of plastic.
That blow broke the victim’s glasses, valued at $381. The prosecutor asked for that much in restitution, plus 50 hours of community service to show that such behaviour would not be accepted. Doing so would “make a clear statement,” according to Crumley.
Defence attorney Thomas Hynes said the intention was to throw the contents of the glass at the victim, not hit him.
Hynes said the defence doesn’t take issue with the conditions the Crown suggested, but asked for a conditional discharge. Chamney had one entry on his criminal record from 2011, but an additional one could cause difficulties in travelling and finding employment.
He said Chamney was 30 years old, but he was seeking to go onto his new career as an industrial mechanic, having just completed his training at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Hynes said Chamney acknowledged that he did something wrong, and he had wanted to apologize right away, but police would not allow him to.
When asked by the judge if he wanted to say anything, Chamney said, “I do regret what I did. I had too much to drink. It’s no excuse.”
Noting he wants to be able to work and travel for the rest of his life, Chamney added, “I want to get past it.”
Brass accepted the defence’ arguments and sentenced Chamney to a conditional discharge with probation for 10 months. Provided he stays out of trouble, Chamney will not get an additional count on his criminal record. He must pay restitution of $381 and put in 50 hours community service.
