Sucker punch

Joseph Stephen Beeley sentenced to 30 days in jail for assault at a party in June

A Canoe Cove man who sucker punched someone at a party and left the victim needing surgery on his nose was recently sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Joseph Stephen Beeley, 18, appeared before Chief Judge Nancy Orr in provincial court in Charlottetown after previously pleading guilty to assault causing bodily harm.

Beeley entered that plea in August, at which time the court heard he was at a party in Avondale on June 25 when he walked up to the victim, touched his shoulder and punched him in the face.

That blow left the victim with a cut on his nose that needed three stitches and a deviated septum that required surgery.

The victim also needed a root canal on one tooth and repairs on another because of the punch.

During the last court appearance, Crown attorney Selina Pellerin said Beeley told the police he had a bad day and was sorry for assaulting the victim.

The court also heard Beeley’s dog had recently died before the attack.

It was noted in court Beeley, who had no prior record, received an award at his graduation this year for showing perseverance and determination in overcoming difficulties.

Before handing down a sentence, Orr said the victim was just minding his own business at the party and it wasn’t his fault the victim’s dog died.

The victim is dealing with the consequences of the assault, Orr said.

“He didn’t deserve what he got.”

Beeley will have to perform 50 hours of community service and pay $1,342.50 in restitution.

He will also have to write an apology letter to the victim and pay a $100 victim surcharge. Donna and Bob Clark relaxed recently at a picnic table and catch some rays at Peakes Quay. The couple, from Fort Myers, Fla., was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on P.E.I.