A Woodstock provincial court has found Jeffrey Richard Bull, 45, of Newburg guilty of assault causing bodily harm and of breaching probation after a trial that examined a Sept. 8, 2024, confrontation on St. James Street that left a man with a broken arm.
Judge notes weapon and admitted strike
Judge Leslie Jackson delivered the verdict on Aug. 28. Bull had faced a more serious charge of aggravated assault, but the judge acquitted him of that charge and instead convicted him of the included offence of assault causing bodily harm. Bull was also found guilty of breaching his probation.
The Crown’s case centred on an incident that occurred at about 2 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2024. Court materials indicate the injured man had been at a house party before walking across the street to speak with Bull about noise. The victim testified that Bull struck him with a baseball bat, he lost consciousness and later required surgery to repair his elbow.
“Mr. Bull acted in the heat of the moment. He intended to hit him and did so and that is assault.”
Judge Jackson observed in court that both men were intoxicated at the time and that they had been shouting and using vulgarities. The judge pointed out Bull was the only person armed during the confrontation and that Bull himself admitted to swinging the bat and making contact with the victim.
Defence said self-defence; court rejected that version
During the trial, Bull testified he struck the man in self-defence, saying the victim removed his shirt and threw a punch toward him. The judge’s findings, however, concluded that Bull intended to hit the other man and that his actions amounted to assault.
- Defendant: Jeffrey Richard Bull, 45, Newburg
- Location: St. James Street, Woodstock
- Date and time of incident: Sept. 8, 2024, about 2 a.m.
- Charges and outcome: Acquitted of aggravated assault; convicted of assault causing bodily harm and breaching probation
- Injuries: Victim suffered a broken arm and required surgery to repair his elbow
Procedural history and next steps
Bull was arrested at the scene by Woodstock Police. He appeared in provincial court via teleconference in custody on Aug. 20 and was released with conditions. The court record notes Bull has a prior criminal record.
His sentencing for the assault and probation breach was scheduled for Nov. 27 at 1:30 p.m. Separately, the RCMP charged Bull with breaching a release order (a curfew) related to an incident in Newburg on Aug. 8; Bull is due back in court on that matter for a plea on Sept. 15 at 9:30 a.m.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Assault on St. James Street | Sept. 8, 2024 |
| Verdict | Aug. 28, 2026 |
| Sentencing | Nov. 27, 2026, 1:30 p.m. |
| Plea on separate breach charge | Sept. 15, 2026, 9:30 a.m. |
This case underscores concerns about late-night disturbances spilling into street confrontations and the role of weapons in escalating incidents. Woodstock residents who live or socialise near busy streets told court testimony in this matter they were aware of parties and noise in the area the morning of the assault. Police were called about the noise and commotion shortly before the attack.
For neighbours and community members, the conviction confirms the criminal court’s threshold for culpability where a weapon is used and a serious injury results. The sentencing hearing in November will determine the penalty and any potential custodial term or community-based sanctions.
Police and court records show Bull remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings related to the August breach-of-release allegation; that matter will be dealt with separately on the September court date.
