Phillip Williams did not act in self-defense when he took part in a 2014 Center City gay bashing, according to a brief submitted recently by attorneys for the two victims.
In an Oct. 24 filing, attorneys for Zachary Hesse and Andrew Haught wrote that, “at no time was [Williams] under a real or perceived threat of bodily injury arising from the actions of [Hesse and Haught].”
In a brief last month in a civil suit against Williams, Kevin Harrigan and Kathryn Knott, Williams’ attorneys argued that his actions on Sept. 11, 2014, were taken to defend himself from what they said was “the real and perceived threat of bodily injury arising from the action of plaintiffs and their friends.”
Attorneys for Hesse and Haught also clarified that the couple was walking alone, not with friends, at 16th and Chancellor, when they encountered the trio and a group of their friends.
“[Haught and Hesse] were alone and were not accompanied by friends when they were unjustifiably assaulted and/or placed in fear of immediate bodily harm by defendants,” the attorneys said.
According to prosecutors, Harrigan made a derogatory comment about Haught and Hesse being a couple and then shoved Hesse, prompting Hesse to shove Harrigan back, who they say then punched Hesse multiple times. Prosecutors say Williams “bum rushed” Haught after someone in the group exclaimed that Haught hit one of the females in the group.
Williams, Harrigan and Knott were arrested in connection with the incident. Williams and Harrigan pleaded guilty to one felony count each and were sentenced to community service, probation and fines. Knott took her case to court and was found guilty of four misdemeanors, for which she served five months in prison.
Haught and Hesse filed a civil suit against the three in the spring, seeking at least $500,000.
In his brief last month, Williams also argued that Knott and Harrigan are responsible for any wrongdoing, not himself, a claim the victims’ attorneys opposed.
“Plaintiffs’ injuries and damages were proximately caused by the conduct of all parties against whom plaintiffs have filed suit,” the attorneys wrote.
A settlement conference is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 4, 2017, and, if no agreement is reached, the case is slated for trial Dec. 4, 2017.