Argon sentenced to 450 days for drug-fueled assault

A violent night that left his girlfriend bloodied and battered beyond recognition has earned Thomas Peter Argon a 450-day jail sentence.

The bulk of the sentence — 12 months — was for a brutal assault on Julie Lynn Gaudet on Dec. 23 at the Charlottetown Inn and Convention Centre on Grafton Street.

In June, Provincial Court Judge John Douglas found Argon guilty of aggravated assault against Gaudet, who was intubated and ventilated upon arrival at hospital. She had lacerations under both eyes, several lacerations on her lips and bruising throughout her face.

She also had a large hematoma on her scalp and has suffered permanent loss of sight in one eye.

Douglas sentenced Argon to an additional two months in jail for mischief resulting from a complete trashing of a hotel room that caused more than $10,000 in damage.

The judge said he believed neither Argon nor Gaudet was able to recall in any detail what actually took place.

The pair, who had both just completed 30 days of detox, went to the hotel room intent on enjoying a good bender together. They consumed beer, vodka and Valium pills.

Police were called to the hotel after staff witnessed Argon, covered in blood, being disruptive in the lobby. Argon had returned to his room when police arrived and he refused to let them in. Police testified that the hotel room was in total disarray when they busted down the door to find Gaudet lying face down on the floor “barely responsive.’’

Douglas recounted Argon testifying during the trial to becoming confused and aggressive when mixing drugs and alcohol.

“Your drug use, Mr. Argon, has to end — and it has to end now,’’ he said.

Argon stood in court to apologize to Gaudet, who was not present, “for what happened that night.’’

He also promised his parents, who faithfully attended each day of the trial, that he would “be a better man.’’ After receiving 330 days credit for time served, Argon has 120 days to spend at the Provincial Correctional Centre.

CLEARING THE RECORD

The results of the Quick Question on page A1 of Saturday’s edition appeared incorrectly. The result should have reflected that 90 per cent of respondents do not believe Sen. Mike Duffy is entitled to $7.8 million for his ordeal with the Senate expense scandal, while 10 per cent believed he is entitled to the compensation.