Defendants non-suited in case over assault at Christmas party

In April, plaintiff James Gresham, a Williamson Construction employee, filed a motion to nonsuit his boss, Ronny Williamson, who allegedly assaulted him at the company's 2008 Christmas party.

On July 13 Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, signed off on the motion, dismissing the case without prejudice, court records show.

Gresham filed suit against Williamson and his company on Dec. 15 in Jefferson County District Court, claiming the intentional assault caused him emotional distress.

As previously reported, Gresham filed a motion for non-suit on Feb. 28, stating he no longer wished to pursue his claims against Williamson and that he and his company should be dismissed with prejudice.

According to the lawsuit, the assault took place at a Beaumont restaurant on Dec. 18, 2008, during the company's holiday party.

"When Gresham was attempting to leave, he was suddenly and without warning physically attacked and assaulted by Williamson in the parking lot," the suit states. "The acts of violence (committed by Williamson) go beyond all manner of human decency."

Gresham was represented by Beaumont attorney Alto Watson III of the Law Offices of Gilbert T. Adams.

Beaumont attorney Thomas Roebuck represented Williamson.

Case No. A188-971