Punches took away my husband (From The Oxford Times)

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Punches took away my husband

8:34am Thursday 8th May 2008

comment Comments (50) Have your say »

By Ellie Simmonds »

THE wife of a man who was left in a permanent coma after being punched at a party spoke of her guilt, as his attacker faced a "substantial" jail sentence.

Thomas Hurley, 22, was yesterday convicted of grievous bodily harm after admitting punching Andrew Williams at a party in Dorchester in February, 2007.

Mr Williams, 37, was punched several times by Hurley and suffered severe injuries when he fell to the floor and hit his head.

Mr Williams, a labourer from Didcot, now requires round-the-clock care in a nursing home and has to be fed through a tube.

Last night, Mr Williams's wife Susan, 32, said she felt no satisfaction at the verdict - and even felt some guilt for what had happened.

During the week-long trial at Oxford Crown Court, the jury heard that Hurley, formerly of Dorchester but now living in Portland, Dorset, had followed Mr Williams into the garden of the house in Bridge End because he believed he had been violent towards his wife.

But Mrs Williams, originally from Australia, said her husband had never hit her and their argument had been no more than a drunken disagreement.

She said: "I suppose I feel guilty, but I know I am not the one that took my hand to him."

Speaking about the verdict she said: "It is not going to bring Andy back.

"It is like half-grieving really. You can't grieve properly. My life has stopped, it has completely stopped."

She said her and her husband - who had a child from a previous relationship - had been about to start trying for children.

"I visit him every day," she said. I spend most of my time kissing him, trying to get him to respond to me.

"We have lost him. He is still with us physically. That is why it makes it hard to grieve because he is there in front of you - you can hear his heart beat."

Doctors say he will never wake up and have warned his family he is likely to die within five years.

The jury took almost six hours to clear Hurley of grievous bodily harm with intent - but convicted him of a lesser charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Hurley denied both charges and claimed he was only acting in self-defence.

Mr Williams's father Michael, 62, from Dorchester, said: "Hurley will get on with his life in a few years. He has made sure my son doesn't have a life."

Det Sgt Darren Cartwright, the officer in the case, said: "On the one hand you have got a relatively young man whose life has been effectively ended and on the other you have got a younger man whose life has effectively been ruined for the time being."

Judge Antonio Bueno adjourned sentencing until May 23.

Remanding Hurley in custody, he said: "You are facing a substantial sentence of imprisonment."

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andrew, oxford says...
10:11am Thu 8 May 08

Tricky one: sounds like there is more than meets the eye. I hate women beaters so his motives, in my mind, were acceptable. He was excessive and deeply unlucky for this chap to have hurt himself from falling over but if he did hit his wife, he deserved it. And if he didn't, why was it an issue at all?

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Pal, Didcot says...
10:33am Thu 8 May 08

I went to school with Tom he is a trutworthy, honest and decent bloke who's actions on this night were OTT but he doesnt deserve to be imprisoned. I feel for the family of the victim who have effectivley lost this man but im sure (having known tom years) that he never meant to put this man in a coma, Its just not in his nature. I do hope the judge takes everything into consideration when sentencing.

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barns, oxford says...
11:53am Thu 8 May 08

I think they should string this guy up ( noosing not break neck hanging ) in front of his family

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Laughable, oxford says...
12:09pm Thu 8 May 08

barns wrote:
I think they should string this guy up ( noosing not break neck hanging ) in front of his family

Yeah??!! because that would solve everything wouldnt it!! Why didnt the judge and jury think of that? Ur such a fuc*king clever dick barns! You should run for parliment!!

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M, Oxford says...
12:16pm Thu 8 May 08

Pal wrote:
I went to school with Tom he is a trutworthy, honest and decent bloke who's actions on this night were OTT but he doesnt deserve to be imprisoned. I feel for the family of the victim who have effectivley lost this man but im sure (having known tom years) that he never meant to put this man in a coma, Its just not in his nature. I do hope the judge takes everything into consideration when sentencing.

I'm afraid he does deserve to go to jail. It may not have been his intent, but you punch somebody you intend to inflict pain and damage.

This young man's life is over and a family has lost someone they love, because, for whatever reason, he was followed and punched, not sending the attacker to prison, regardless of his nature, would be wrong.

I hope the judge takes this into account when sentencing, Thomas Hurley has effectively ended a life through actions he carried out conciously, he should pay the hefty price that comes with that action and its consequences.

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Sad for all involved, Oxford says...
12:23pm Thu 8 May 08

Sorry Pal but decent blokes don't go around appointing themselves judge, jury and executioner, and this case perfectly illustrates exactly why that is. It seems that instead of taking his concerns to the authorities, or even trying to find out if his assumption was correct, Tom decided to bash Andy - who as it turns out is completely innocent.

Andrew - it's an issue because Tom clearly got the wrong end of the stick and instead of trying to find out if he'd made the right assumption, he decided that physical violence was the answer.

It's a shame that so many people seem to think that it's okay to bash somebody just because you decide for whatever reason you hate them.

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barns, says...
12:27pm Thu 8 May 08

yes all part of the hang a hoodie campaign

ps its parliament

retard

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the uninvolved, Everywhere says...
2:27pm Thu 8 May 08

Some above comments are null and void they are mere opinoins to which you are all entitled don't get me wrong. However without sitting in the court room and hearing ALL the evidence you are doing what we all do and making brash assumptions. i think we would all agree no-one deserves to be in either situation. it is a very tragic event, which the outcomes no-one could have predicted. Im sure a fair judge would decide on appropriate sentencing bearing in mind although this young man may still have his life he can never escape his conscience. i wish everyone involved from both parties all the best and hope with this you can now begin to re-build and continue with your lives. you have my (and im sure im not alone) whole hearted respect.
Regards
The uninvolved

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Pal, didcot says...
2:32pm Thu 8 May 08

We all make mistakes..thousands of people across the world do things in the heat of the moment they later regret(except barns whos obviously is a saint in disguise!)

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anon, Oxford says...
3:10pm Thu 8 May 08

The 'heat of the moment' argument is not really a valid one when someone is left vegetating in a hospital bed for the remainder of their days.
Either Tom did hit Andrew causing him to fall and hit his head or he did not (the courts will decide that). If he did, then he has to be sentenced. Andrew is effectively dead, but not technically, so any sentence is likely to be lenient given the circumstances anyway. In a few years time, Tom will be released from prison and will be free to enjoy life again, to walk, to talk to his loved ones, to go on holiday, enjoy himself and live a normal life. Meanwhile Andrew will never do any of those things ever again, all because of Tom's actions in 'the heat of the moment'.

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J, oxford says...
3:35pm Thu 8 May 08

Hurley, formerly of Dorchester but now living in Portland, Dorset, had followed Mr Williams into the garden of the house in Bridge End because he believed he had been violent towards his wife.

So Hurley thought that Williams had been violent towards his wife, his wife said he hadn't and never had, so Hurley, the man who apparently approached Williams due to him being against violence, then punched him several times?

An oxymoron at its best. This guy deserves a very long prison sentence. You do NOT punch other people. He needs to accept the consequence of his actions.

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the uninvolved, everywhere says...
3:53pm Thu 8 May 08

Yes, i apologise but in my view the epitome of an oxymoron would be police intelligence.

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Anon, oxford says...
4:02pm Thu 8 May 08

J wrote:

Hurley, formerly of Dorchester but now living in Portland, Dorset, had followed Mr Williams into the garden of the house in Bridge End because he believed he had been violent towards his wife.
So Hurley thought that Williams had been violent towards his wife, his wife said he hadn't and never had, so Hurley, the man who apparently approached Williams due to him being against violence, then punched him several times? An oxymoron at its best. This guy deserves a very long prison sentence. You do NOT punch other people. He needs to accept the consequence of his actions.

Because his wife said he hadn't hit her doesnt mean that he didn't though does it?! If he's in a coma practically dead would you want to brandish your husband as a wife beater? Hurley didn't disapprove of violence, but violence towards women. Being on the receiving end of a previous violent relationship myself i would have been eternally gratefull if on any occasion a stranger would have intervened when i was being attacked. And before you all respond with the ' why was you with him,you should have got out of there sooner bull' I have now!

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Too good, Near you says...
4:08pm Thu 8 May 08

In 1801 walking on the kings highway with a dirty face was a hangable offence. which shows you how far our legal system has come, so perhaps we could discuss this without comments like that eh barnes.

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KrayeR, Near you says...
4:12pm Thu 8 May 08

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Me, oxford says...
4:49pm Thu 8 May 08

barns wrote:
yes all part of the hang a hoodie campaign ps its parliament retard

Where in the article does it say he was wearing a hooded top?!!?? Oh no sorry hes 22 so he must have been! So quick to judge..guilty by association as per usual..youths of today eh!

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J, Oxford says...
5:17pm Thu 8 May 08

Anon wrote:
Because his wife said he hadn't hit her doesnt mean that he didn't though does it?! If he's in a coma practically dead would you want to brandish your husband as a wife beater? Hurley didn't disapprove of violence, but violence towards women. Being on the receiving end of a previous violent relationship myself i would have been eternally gratefull if on any occasion a stranger would have intervened when i was being attacked. And before you all respond with the ' why was you with him,you should have got out of there sooner bull' I have now!

Whether it's a man or woman is irrelevant.

Violence is violence.

Even if he HAD hit his wife, that makes Hurley equally as much as a scum bag for hitting him. If you're stupid enough to hit someone, you take the consequences that go with it. In this case, Hurley nearly killed the guy, and should rightfully be jailed.

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anon, dorchester says...
9:15pm Thu 8 May 08

Spooky the suggestion that Hurley wears a hoodie being mentioned cos guess what.... he walks around Dorchester all the time with one on, speak to anyone who lives there..

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anondisliker, dorchester says...
9:36am Fri 9 May 08

speak to me i live there. and walk around dressed in a hoodie how do you know its not me you have seen

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Anon, Abingdon says...
10:47am Fri 9 May 08

I just wanted to post to say that I know Mrs Williams and at no point did Mr Williams hit Mrs Williams. I think everone who is commenting should remember that Mrs Williams is having to deal with the situation every day of her life for an unspecifed period of time, this man will no doubt spend sometime in prison and then be able to get on with his life. Mr williams wife , child and family will not.

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Thankyou, Dorchester says...
11:02am Fri 9 May 08

anondisliker wrote:
speak to me i live there. and walk around dressed in a hoodie how do you know its not me you have seen

Here here...Thankyou. Im also a young adult from dorchester. I also on the odd occasion were a hooded top. Wanna hang me to barns ?!

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anon/barnesdisliker, dorchester says...
12:31pm Fri 9 May 08

A hooded top is an item of clothing, not a character statement. we never questioned your teddy boy suits or flares. isnt that rite thankyou

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Susan Williams, Didcot says...
1:32pm Fri 9 May 08

To Andy
I love you with all my heart, and miss you every second of the day. No matter what anyone ever says, I know the truth. You were a very loving & caring husband & father. All couples should be lucky enough to have love in their lives like we had.
To the public
Everybody has the right to an opinion; however, I do believe that unless you were in the court room over the last week, you do not have all the facts to make an accurate judgement. My husband was a wonderful man, and though we had our disagreements (like every married couple), he certainly did not have an aggressive nature. On more than one occasion he helped to save the life of another - not the actions of a aggressor....

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kathleen, Wallingford says...
2:07pm Fri 9 May 08

Well said, Susan. You are a very courageous lady, I trust this will stop the above ridiculous commentaries, no-one deserves this type of rubbish. Get a life you lot, leave this family alone, they have enough to put up with without idiots like you who think you know it all but know nothing!

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Simon, Didcot says...
2:46pm Fri 9 May 08

You lot can be some right viscious B*****s at times. No one wins, no one. One punch no matter how lame can cause repocussions for the rest of your life. This poor family have lost a dad to all intents and purposes, and you all sit behind your keyboards at work, bleating out your opinions on a case you have **** all knowledge of. I am not sticking up for anyone here, there is nothing but losers, no winners.
This whole story is just so ****** sad.

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Abingdon Resident, Abingdon says...
3:31pm Fri 9 May 08

Susan, my heart goes out to you in this difficult time. I realise that I know nothing of a)what happened in your relationship or b)what was said in the court room, however, whatever happened throughout your relationship, it has nothing to do with anyone else. I think the sentence that is given, will be too much for his family and not enough for yours, but I'm sure that the judge will be fair in his ruling. Also when Tom does get out of prison, I'm sure there are people who will remember what he did and to quote the saying "what goes aroung, comes around"
Revenge is a dish best served cold. He'll get his comeupance.

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Wife & Mother, abingdon says...
9:04pm Fri 9 May 08

Here, here Kathleen of Wallingford. Enough has been said, let the subject be closed.

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anon, didcot says...
10:38am Mon 12 May 08

Guilt....she feels guilt....wonder why? maybe the truth will immerge one day after all.

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kathleen, Wallingford says...
12:54pm Mon 12 May 08

So who are you ANON got something to say then have the guts to sign your comments, otherwise pull your head in and leave these families alone.

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Susan Williams, Didcot says...
1:37pm Mon 12 May 08

I feel no guilt about what has happened to the defendant, only guilt that the last conversation I had with my husband, before he was effectively killed, was an argument.
The truth was dealt with in the court room, all members of the jury (general members of the public) came to the same conclusion. Do you not think what I'm going through is enough, without having to deal with sick comments like the above? There is no excuse for what happened that night.

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John Peters, Didcot says...
1:42pm Mon 12 May 08

anon wrote:
Guilt....she feels guilt....wonder why? maybe the truth will immerge one day after all.

What a gutless and moronic comment by someone who naturally wants to remain anonymous. Explain yourself, but I will not hold my breathe, otherwise SHUT UP.

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Robert, Wales says...
3:14pm Mon 12 May 08

Perhaps make the punishment fit the crime.

A chemically induced coma until recovery of the victim.

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Rachel, oxford says...
8:25pm Mon 12 May 08

I have to say that the measured replies by Susan Williams, given what she has and will have to endure, are to be highly commended. They rise above the variety of mindless comments which this sad event has generated. However, it takes all sorts to make a world, even down to the level of the single brain celled morons who post such comments.

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noangel, oxford says...
6:22pm Mon 19 May 08

Unless you were in the courtroom listening to ALL the evidence you cannot possibly comment.a young lad who has never been in trouble before goes out into the garden to have awee,as the loo is being used a man who has been drinking heavily all night and has been seen to be itching for a fight has been sent out by his FRIENDS for hitting his wife,a young lad busting for a wee goes into the garden, and is confronted. in fear he starts swinging, as this guy is bigger and older than he is. and saddly it all ends in tragedy

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so you were not in court then, Abingdon says...
10:22am Tue 20 May 08

what a load of rubbish hurley has been charged by the police loads of times

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mugspotter, oxford says...
8:54pm Tue 20 May 08

hmmm... possibly a younger man sent out by HIS friends who wanted some MUG to sort out the older man... Interesting comment about hurley being charged for other things too - didn't know that one before but not at all surprised!

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ra, berinsfield says...
9:10pm Tue 20 May 08

so you were not in court then wrote:
what a load of rubbish hurley has been charged by the police loads of times

your right.loads of people know tom hurley has been charged with stuff before

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noangel, oxford says...
9:59am Wed 21 May 08

hurley has never been charged with anything before,if so what? tell us or shut the f up until you know what your talking about.r a berinsfield, who are the loads of people then, know it all.half the people in berinsfield dont know who hurley is moron.

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wear a mask., oxford says...
10:14am Wed 21 May 08

and a cape do we?or do we think we are MORSE? MUGSPOTTER OUT TO SAVE THE WORLD?

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nice one abingdon resident, didcot says...
10:19am Wed 21 May 08

inciting violence?when tom gets out? there will be people who remember. well i'd remember this if i were you cos if anything does happen you will obviously feel VERY PROUD of yourself wont you?

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abingdon resident fri 9th, didcot says...
10:23am Wed 21 May 08

inciting violence? dish served cold? get his comeupance? when hurley does come out? and something happens then you'll be able to pat yourself on the back and feel very proud of yourself wontyou?. that goes for WIFE & MOTHER? ( cant beleive that one)

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shame the papers, didcot says...
10:28am Wed 21 May 08

dont get the other side of the story. there are ALWAYS two sides

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pr, Oxford says...
10:40am Wed 21 May 08

Where do you get off noangel??? Andy Williams did not hit his wife that evening, nor on any other occasion. As for 'itching for a fight' and confronting a young brat?!!! Honestly. Just shows you are commenting about a person you do not even know. As for Hurley having had problems with the police - the words knives and drugs spring to mind.

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the truth, abingdon says...
10:48am Wed 21 May 08

we all know its hurley or his friends putting lies on here to try and make him sound innocent its a fact hurley has been arrested and charged by the police before and also he has special needs / learning difficulties which he hides behind he is just a low life scum bag

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FarFarAway, Oxon says...
11:39am Wed 21 May 08

I think you have a good point there 'the truth'. But hey, no matter what they try to write on here, he has been found guilty for what he did. None of their stupid comments or stories could change my mind that the jury got it right. Just a shame the jury didn't know about his previous, maybe that would have changed their minds about the 'with intent' part of the charge.

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pr obviously stands for, wallingford says...
12:53pm Wed 21 May 08

you must have been there then? obviously.beacuase no-one else has any previous do they

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noangel, oxford says...
1:00pm Wed 21 May 08

let him without sin cast the first stone? also "commenting about someone you dont even know" i rest my case

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All this isn't going to change a thing, abingdon says...
1:05pm Wed 21 May 08

saddly whats done is done. we can all comment till the sun dont shine, two lives have been ruined. a dreadfull tragedy, for all concerned

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Me Myself & I, Here there everywhere says...
5:27pm Wed 21 May 08

Was there that night...was in court...Don't know myself exactly what happened...both families concerned have enough to deal with..please everyone just let this rest...all the comments in the world wont bring Andy back or stop Tom from going to prison. Have your opinions and views by all means but keep them to yourselfs & dont turn this unfortunate happpening into an opportunity to **** online.

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let it rest, the end says...
9:56pm Wed 21 May 08

Me Myself & I wrote:
Was there that night...was in court...Don't know myself exactly what happened...both families concerned have enough to deal with..please everyone just let this rest...all the comments in the world wont bring Andy back or stop Tom from going to prison. Have your opinions and views by all means but keep them to yourselfs & dont turn this unfortunate happpening into an opportunity to **** online.

You are truly a very wise person! Let's make this a full stop for all concerned. Nobody from either side of the fence needs anymore of this.

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