Monday, September 22, 2008 4:17 PM EDT
NEWS NOW: Mageau found guilty of assault
WAKEFIELD -- Acting Town Council President James M. Mageau was found guilty of the misdemeanor charge of simple assault today by a District Court judge, who said he found Mageau’s claim that he felt threatened by Cliff Vanover and struck his camera in self-defense, implausible.
“I’ve been trying to determine for the life of me why someone holding a small camcorder poses an imminent threat," Associate District Court Judge William Clifton said.
“That’s nonsense. That’s illogical. It makes no sense,’’ Clifton said.
Clifton rejected a request from the town’s attorney that Mageau be placed on probation, and instead filed the case for one year. But he made the filing contingent on Mageau’s attending anger management classes, telling the council president that he had a ``volatile, confrontational personality.’’
“You have a problem with managing your temper,’’ Clifton said.
Clifton also ordered Mageau to pay restitution to Vanover for any damage done to his camera.
Afterwards, Mageau said he was appealing Clifton’s decision to Superior Court, where he is entitled to a jury trial.
“We fully expect a jury of his 12 peers will review the evidence and find him not guilty of this offense,” Mageau’s attorney, Richard Corley, said.
For more about this story, read Tuesday's print and online editions of The Sun.
“I’ve been trying to determine for the life of me why someone holding a small camcorder poses an imminent threat," Associate District Court Judge William Clifton said.
“That’s nonsense. That’s illogical. It makes no sense,’’ Clifton said.
Clifton rejected a request from the town’s attorney that Mageau be placed on probation, and instead filed the case for one year. But he made the filing contingent on Mageau’s attending anger management classes, telling the council president that he had a ``volatile, confrontational personality.’’
“You have a problem with managing your temper,’’ Clifton said.
Clifton also ordered Mageau to pay restitution to Vanover for any damage done to his camera.
Afterwards, Mageau said he was appealing Clifton’s decision to Superior Court, where he is entitled to a jury trial.
“We fully expect a jury of his 12 peers will review the evidence and find him not guilty of this offense,” Mageau’s attorney, Richard Corley, said.
For more about this story, read Tuesday's print and online editions of The Sun.
Joe B wrote on Sep 22, 2008 11:24 PM:
" Another proud moment for Charlestown... "
Sudsy wrote on Sep 22, 2008 9:52 PM:
" It is about time that Mageau got what he deserves. How are they going to find a jury of "his peers"???
There has been too much damage to our wonderful town by one man. Move on and out. "
There has been too much damage to our wonderful town by one man. Move on and out. "
Jeff wrote on Sep 22, 2008 9:32 PM:
" Good Luck in the coming election, Jimmy Boy...and don't get too upset when you loose. "
Bill wrote on Sep 22, 2008 9:22 PM:
" Oh Mageau.....you've done it again "
John wrote on Sep 22, 2008 9:02 PM:
" There is hope that the town will be released from James and his obnoxious behavior. In the future file charges at the first sign of instability prior to him lashing out. Too bad the Judge did not make him pay for court costs. Hopefully a jury will find him guilty, fine him heavily, order him to pay court costs and do 120 hours of community service by attending all meetings held by citizen groups and the only interaction is to listen. "
Ellen wrote on Sep 22, 2008 8:53 PM:
" The judge got this one totally correct - "Guilty as charged". We can be grateful that no one was seriously hurt this time. This man has to resign immediately. Now the whole state knows what we have been dealing with for almost two years. And to think, this man believes he can be re-elected. Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. "
Cat wrote on Sep 22, 2008 8:34 PM:
" VOTE HIM OUT!!!!!! "
Steven wrote on Sep 22, 2008 8:05 PM:
" Dear Mr. Mageau, think of the anger management classes as a means of improving yourself. "
Sue wrote on Sep 22, 2008 7:50 PM:
" Mageau got exactly what he deserves. He has held Charlestown hostage for two years. He has an issue with anger and needs help. All he has done is cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars because of his actions. Vote him out on Election Day!! "
RIchick11 wrote on Sep 22, 2008 7:27 PM:
" Kathy that's funny. My family is from Westerly but my aunt Barbara has a house out here in Mesa, AZ - but Im sure thats not who you meant ha ha. "
annmarie wrote on Sep 22, 2008 6:42 PM:
" Jimmy boy deserved what he got,he just better be a good boy for a year.If he can,maybe anger management classes might help him.A little too late as he always had a very bad temper. "
Jake wrote on Sep 22, 2008 5:10 PM:
" Thank goodness their is a God after all. He got all he deserved, and he should have gotten more.... "
Kathy wrote on Sep 22, 2008 4:50 PM:
" I hope you (Jimmy) do not stick your neck out again for your town. Was it worth it? Getting all upset, your too old for this. Retire and travel...go out to Arizona to see Barbara. Relax enjoy the rest of your life! Spend more time with your family mend any bridges you may have. Enjoy! "
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