A man accused of punching a gay man resulting in a serious brain injury did it because “he was touched inappropriately,” his defence lawyer said during closing arguments yesterday.
“It makes no difference if it is man to man, man to woman, or woman to woman type touching,” Jacinta Lawton told a Vancouver court.
She added 37-year-old Shawn Woodward was unaware of his strength when he threw the punch that knocked out Ritchie Dowry, 62.
Earlier, Crown Counsel had accused Woodward of being a liar.
“There was no alleged sexual assault,” Joel Whysall said.
“He lied to the court about what has occurred to deflect the true motive of why he punched on the jaw or cheek.”
Whysall added that when Woodward uttered anti-gay slurs as he left the bar, he revealed the true reason for the alleged attack. A verdict is expected Aug. 10.
