N.S. man found not guilty of attacking Greg Parsons
A Nova Scotia man has been found not guilty of attacking Greg Parsons with a knife.
Judge Raymond Halley ruled Monday that Ushan Rankothgedera was defending himself.
Parsons, who was wrongfully convicted for the murder of his mother more than 20 years ago, was one of three men at the centre of the Lamer Inquiry into wrongful convictions in Newfoundland and Labrador's justice system.
He and Rankothgedera got into a fight on Water Street following a night of drinking in January 2013. Parsons received many stitches and bruises in the attack.
Some of the incident was captured in a cell phone video where someone identifies Rankothgedera as having a knife.
The fight broke out when Parsons spotted Rankothgedera and his girlfriend arguing, and he stepped in.
There was testimony that the couple had both asked Parsons to leave them alone, and Parsons had testified that the woman didn't ask for help.
Parsons punched Rankothgedera, knocking him to the ground. Most of the fighting then took place on the pavement.
Rankothgedera ended up with a large cut on his face, but he said he didn't know how he got it.
The judge said the attack on Rankothgedera was unprovoked; that Parsons was bigger and stronger; and Rankothgedera was justified in using a knife for self-defence.
Halley found Rankothgedera not guilty on all charges, including aggravated assault.
Parsons stormed out of the courtroom as soon as he heard the judge's decision.
Parsons's wife Tina said, "I can't believe this."
