Man on trial "sorry" about alleged attack - but can't remember it

Wednesday 05 October 2022

A 23-year-old accused of fracturing a man’s skull by punching him during a night out has told a jury he feels “bad and sorry” about what happened to his alleged victim – but that he doesn’t remember anything.

Madeira-born Magno Raimundo Gaspar Reis denies one count of grave and criminal assault outside Minden Place car park last September.

Witnesses told the Royal Court on Monday that the alleged victim had been punched by Mr Reis after exchanging words with a group who, according to his friend, had been "looking for a fight".

He explained his head injury required treatment in Southampton and that he was still suffering from fatigue, headache and pins and needles as a result.

But, responding to Advocate Allana Binnie during cross-examination yesterday, Mr Reis maintained that he had been very drunk on the night of the alleged assault and had no recollection of it.

He claimed that his last memory was walking to West's Centre after spending the evening at Havana and falling asleep on a bench.

Speaking through a translator, he said the next thing he remembered was waking up at home later that morning.

Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae told the defendant that his ex-girlfriend said she had seen him punch the man, before going to "check on him" because he was "worried about him".

"Have you forgotten that?" he asked.

"I don't remember," Mr Reis responded.

The alleged victim's brother also gave evidence in court, telling the jury that he spoke to Mr Reis on a Facebook call and asked if he had been fighting during the weekend of the alleged incident. The brother said that Mr Reis denied fighting, but claimed that, after asking him a second time, he told him that he hit someone.

However, Mr Reis said he was the one made the call after being told by a friend that he was looking for him. He denies ever admitting to the punch on the phone.

Crown Advocate Lauren Hallam is appearing for the prosecution.

The trial continues today.