SUMMERSIDE -Two city men were fortunate to escape a Canada Day brawl with their health, and no jail time.
James Erik Clow, 25, pleaded guilty in Summerside Provincial Court on Thursday to one count of assault with a weapon. Wells also plead guilty to one count each of assault and mischief in relation to property.
"It sounds like it was complete and utter mayhem on the night in question," said Judge Jeff Lantz. "Luckily the victim wasn't seriously injured. (Clow) on the other hand looked like he'd been through a war."
Around 11:21 p.m. July 1, city police were called to a residence on Harbour Drive.
After the Canada Day fireworks that night, a relative of Clow's was dropped off at the home where he had an altercation with Wells and a group of other men.
The relative was called out of the house about 30 minutes later and fought with Wells.
Clow then had an altercation with the owner of the home and struck him in the back with a two-by-four.
After the fight, Wells ran to the rear of the house where he punched out a glass window, causing a deep cut on his arm.
Clow and Wells eventually fled the scene, but were found a short time later on Water Street.
The homeowner was taken to hospital, however police photographs revealed Clow's injuries were also severe. Wells was also taken to hospital to treat the cut on his arm.
Defense attorney Trish Cheverie said the men involved in the fracas were under the influence of alcohol, adding Clow suffered a concussion, lacerations to the top of his head and two fractured bones in his hand.
Clow had no criminal record while Wells' prior record was unrelated.
Clow also pleaded guilty to an unrelated charge of theft of a debit card.
The court heard that Clow made 17 transactions worth $880 between May 31 and June 4, with a debit card left in his truck.
Lantz suspended the passing of sentence for both men, handing Clow 18 months of probation and Wells 12 months.
Clow must make restitution to the owner of the debit card, while Wells must pay $63 to the Harbour Drive homeowner to cover the cost of the broken window.
sbrun@journalpioneer.com
