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An Otago former student who left three people scarred in a bloody bar attack will be released from jail just in time for Christmas.
Sammy Ayoun Soud’s sentence of two years and one month in prison will expire in January 2022, but the Board of Parole determined last week that he could be safely released with more than a year remaining.
The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of wounding with intent to wound and wounding with reckless indifference following an incident in Dunedin on August 2, 2018.
Ayoun Soud was among 250 students attending a concert at Fifty Gorillas, a bar formerly on Princes St, when he became involved in an altercation with another partygoer.
The first victim approached Ayoun Soud and asked if he was “okay” once things seemed to have calmed down.
However, the defendant raised his glass and smashed it against the left side of the man’s face.
The glass fragments that remained in the defendant’s hand were thrown at the victim’s friends who were nearby.
Two men and one woman were left with permanent scars as a result of Ayou Soud’s outburst, the court heard at sentencing.
Probation was rejected in September because the inmate had not completed the Drug Treatment Program.
Ayoun Soud, however, finished the course earlier this month and a report said that she had gone “smoothly” through the counseling.
“Now she has taken up personal care and is working in the kitchen,” said panel coordinator Neville Trendle.
“There are no concerns about his conduct or compliance.”
The location of Ayoun Soud’s release and who he would live with were redacted in documents published in the Otago Daily Times.
Those who would support him, however, would provide a “strong pro-social force without alcohol,” Trendle said.
Ayoun Soud had a job lined up with a marine detailing company and planned to complete his degree next year.
“The Board accepts the assertion that he has a low risk of recidivism and is highly unlikely to repeat the crime that landed him in prison,” Trendle said.
Conditions of probation included:
– Do not contact any victim
– Live at an address approved by parole
– Do not possess alcohol or non-prescription drugs
– Attend any counseling prescribed by Probation.
– Comply with the curfew of 10 p. M. A 6 a. M. During the first two months on probation
