Guilty pleas in wharf assault

posted on 07/14/10

Two men charged in connection with a violent attack at a Chester wharf last summer pleaded guilty to assault charges this week.

Joel Ray Meister entered guilty pleas to two charges of assault Wednesday, admitting he threw rocks at a woman and kicked a man during the August 20, 2009, altercation.

Crown and defence lawyers recommended Mr. Meister, 27, receive 18 months on probation, with both sides saying he played a lesser role in the events that night that sent a woman to hospital with serious head injuries.

Mr. Meister and several friends had been drinking that night and made their way to the government wharf. They ended up in an argument with a man and a woman who were at the wharf after one of the friends decided he wanted to go for a swim where the people were fishing. There was a scuffle and Mr. Meister jumped in to help his friend.

That fight ended, but a second altercation just moments later left the woman with serious head injuries. Mr. Meister did not inflict those.

Judge Anne Crawford endorsed the joint recommendation, placing Mr. Meister on probation and ordering him to take counselling and to stay clear of the victims, the other man charged in the case, anyone with a criminal record, alcohol and drugs for the next 18 months.

The man the Crown says was responsible for the woman’s injuries was in court July 12.

Chad Wesley Swinimer, 29, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing bodily harm. He is scheduled to return to court for sentencing August 30.