If he "brutally beat his then girlfriend of 6 months,
leaving her bleeding profusely, with two black eyes, a broken nose and bruised all over.  With their
shared residence covered in blood," why is it a misdemeanor and not a felony. I think you should spread the truth and not just trying to ruin someone in the industry. And isnt it innocent until proven guilty. The case hasnt even gone to court yet.... Educate yourself.

Assault - Threat of Violence

An Assault is an intentional unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to another with the apparent ability to carry out the threat.  The "apparent" ability to being able to carry out this threat is whether the victim believed it - not whether it was factually possible.  If the victim is put in fear the apparent ability exists.  Note that assault does not involve any actual contact.  Also note that the threat can be by "word."  The raising of a fist in a striking motion is an act. An assault is a Second Degree Misdemeanor.

Felony Battery

A simple battery can become a felony if a person has any other type of battery as a prior, or a simple battery causes great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement.  Filing a battery as a felony is a decision made by the State Attorney's Office.  Felony battery is a Third Degree Felony.  Remember great bodily harm is determined by the injury to the victim not the action taken by the accused.

The truth is that James and his ex were living together at the time and he beat her up....September. Then he ran away and stayed away for three months (until December) hoping the heat would die down and he could come back to Ft. Lauderdale and weasel his way back onto another boat.  He likely would have stayed away a bit longer, but The State Attorney's office charged him with Domestic Violence.....i.e. Battery.  They did this because the police who did the report and took the photographs of the victim found a bloody girl with a big, swollen, clearly broken nose inside of their home which was carpeted in blood.  James Correu was long gone!  The first court date was back in December....James' attorney asked for a continuance...James did not even bother to appear.   The SECOND court date was in February.....he asked for a continuance AGAIN but at least he showed up this time.  This could have been over months ago.  That is what his victim wants....for it to be over so she can move on with her life.  As for why it is a misdemeanor not a felony.......good f***ing question.

As one involved in the hiring of professionals into a highly security- and safety-sensitive occupation, I can tell you any indication during our extremely thorough background check that a candidate -- either convicted or just accused -- has been involved in any kind of either domestic or workplace violence will result in that candidate's application being rejected. If such a problem is, for some reason, initially missed, but surfaces later, that history exposes the employee to immediate termination, principally for lying on an application by failing to disclose the past which is specifically explored on our application. A propensity for violence is a character trait despite its provocation with the exception being legitimate self-defense or in defense of another. No industry can afford the liability of hiring such a potentially problematical individual. 

To begin... my ex, Laura Stewart Deronde, attacked me multiple times, while she was extremely intoxicated, during our relationship. My mistake was that I went back to her each time that I left. The last time, the night in question, I defended myself. You can ask everyone who has ever known me, and they will tell you that I don't start fights with people. And if she would tell the truth she would say the same thing. For anyone who is taking note of this drama, consider how the public arena could be used against you by a vindictive, unaccountable person. And the idea of denying someone work simply because they were accused of something opens up space for abuse. I have not come public about this before because quite simply it is a personal matter, and an on-going legal matter. The anonymous person behind the post here and elsewhere has made inaccuracies in information, told plain lies, and twisted partial-truths, and conveniently left out facts. As this is an on-going legal issue I am not presenting any of the evidence I have in my defense. That will be done in court. James Correu.  And to anyone who finds themselves in a toxic relationship, do something about it immediately, seek counseling, leave, and stick to it.

James,  The facts are well-documented in photographs.  Your admissions that you have a problem with seething anger and hatred are well-documented.  The victim in this matter has suffered enough at your hand.  She did not attack anyone. She was not even given a chance to defend herself.   What was done to  her, by you was way beyond any defensive action.  A peaceful person, which you claim to be, would have walked away.  A person who truly felt that what he did was justified would have called and stuck around for the police to arrive.  You ran.  Far away.  For some time.  Your violent aggressiveness extended throughout all aspects of your relationship with the victim.  And you could have been charged with a lot more than you were......you are damn lucky that she has a heart.  Otherwise, you would be registering with the county in which you live for the rest of your life.

James Correu has not been charged with "starting a fight". 

James Correu has been charged with Domestic Violence.

A large motor or sailing yacht is, because owners and crew "live there", a Domestic Space.

His case is being prosecuted by the Domestic Violence unit of the State Attorney's Office. 

It does not matter who "started the fight".  The State Attorney's Office is concerned with the fact that they have evidence that a crime was committed.  Thusly, he has been indicted and is being prosecuted for the evidence that was present in their home.

Heretohelp be sure to state the truth and don't suggest anything that can be proven false or damaging to Mr correus reputation that may come back to be used against you in a defamation /slander/ libel lawsuit.

Son, let me get this straight. You just admitted to beating a woman you allegedly cared about in the name of self defense and expect someone like me or any of the good Captains here to give you a job because not doing so might open the doors to abuse? ARE YOU NUTS? Can you even imagine the lawsuit they would be facing should they do as you wish and you in turn find a fresh victim on their boat? What kind of Captain would subject his stews to someone like you?

Are you really going to go into court and try to tell a judge that you just simply couldn't walk away and just had to beat that girl in self defense? I can only hope some astute young reporter manages to get video of that court hearing. The look on that judges face is going to be priceless."

Heretoohelp
Do you know all the facts inviolving this incident? I know in earlier post you said you was a friend of the victim but have you heard both sides if the story or dud you hear one sidnd run with it? If you haven't heard but one side then you really don't know what transpired during what happened. I'd hate to see his career ended and you sued over this before it has gone to court. I am not taking sides, but I have seen plenty of court cases.

Wafi,

Yes, I do know what is up with this case.  I have seen the police report and the photographs.  I have seen the video tape of James Correu's cowardly exit.  James was the only other person in the apartment besides the victim.  It is highly unlikely that the victim beat herself up.   And, by the way, his career in yachting IS over!  Do you have any other questions?

Mr Correu, I have come accross many ... like you, the hero that can prove his ego by breaking the nose of a Woman "and then running away" You are lucky that it didn't happen on my watch, otherwise running would not have been an option. Let the authorities handle you with "kid gloves" give you understanding and counselling, be that thier right.  I believe I speak for the majority of Crews and Yachts-men and women. Stay off our decks in future, we do not want you, and we abhor the thought of serving with you.

Well done to the Browards Sheriffs Office for convicting this evil criminal. I too recently was a victim of Domestic Violence, however the evil First Mate based in Fort Lauderdale got away with not being arrested because I did not report the offence to the Police at the time/ scene of the crime. James deserves to be locked in Jail and deserves all the physical abuse coming his way. I would hope he could experience just a glimpse of how scared his girlfriend may have felt during his attack. No woman deserves to be hurt- VERBALLY or PHYSICALLY by another person, let alone a MAN whom I am sure is larger than her. Pick on someone your own size, Coward.

On September 10th my EX boyfriend instigated an argument with me at the house we were staying in (friends offered us a room while we looked for separate work). We were home alone and it was on a Saturday at noon. No alcohol was involved. When he started his verbal attack, I left the room and headed towards my bedroom. He followed me and continued the verbal abuse. I was crying and petrified he would hurt me-  when he then put his arms around me and started stroking my hair telling me "I am here for you and everything is going to be okay". This sudden change in personality frightened the life out of me.

I left the room again and ran to the bathroom to lock myself away from him. He forced the door open and I dropped to the floor. I begged him to stop shouting and told him he was scaring me. He continued the abusive attack- verbally. I got up off the floor (which I had fallen to when the door was forced open) and tried to run past him. He lifted his hand at me. I covered my face with both hands for protection, thinking he was going to hit me in the face- when he grabbed my arms and shook me intensely whilst shouting abuse at me. I begged him to stop, crying and telling him he was hurting me. He continued until he dislocated my right shoulder.He continued for about two minutes after I felt the initial pain and heard the "click"- I have irreparable tendon damage and scar tissue to prove this.

That night was spent in Broward ER. I was discharged and let go with him - I should explain how I was under duress as he would not leave my side in the hospital. He threatened me not to tell anyone what had happened. I was given morphine and Vicodin on arrival and was so heavily sedated I do not remember the Doctors knocking my shoulder back into place.

He took me home and kept me under his surveillance for 2 full days, not allowing me to take or make any calls. on the Monday (my Birthday) he had to leave the house to meet a prospective new Captain. The minute he left I called a friend who came right away to rescue me.

I spent the next few days distraught and emotionally wrecked. Physically I was in horrendous pain and heavily sedated. On the following Thursday I went to the Fort Lauderdale Police Dept and filed a report. I also went to the Court and was given an Emergency Restraining order. He was served this on Monday 19th September on his new Yacht. He was later fired from this position.

I have since taken him to Court and he has been served a 3 Year Restraining Order.  He has not been arrested because I filed the report 5 days late. The evidence of my Dislocated Shoulder was not enough - he had told the Detective I fell and Dislocated this myself. Because we had no witnesses and there was no blood, I do not have sufficient evidence to prove I kept trying to escape him- even though it is impossible to dislocate ones shoulder like mine - unless during an extreme sport.

I have been unable to work since September and have weeks of Physiotherapy to endure.

This Sociopath is still out there and working as First Mate in Lauderdale on a new Yacht - unbeknown to his new Captain or Crew. He has been red flagged with Customs though, so he risks being detained when leaving/ entering the US next.

I think it is disgusting how anyone can get away with physically hurting someone (I am 5'4 and weigh 110pounds; he is 5'10 and weighs 198pounds). I tired to leave the argument three times, when he forcefully knocked the bathroom door open and continued his abuse. He threatened me and kept me locked up at home for two days until I finally had the chance to escape him -on my birthday- when he had to go for an interview.

During the Court case had the audacity to ask the Judge if the Restraining Order worked both ways. Judge laughed at him and asked where his injuries were.

I have been in contact with his Ex's and this was not the first time he has frightened the life out of other woman. The last girl he left in California, warned him she was about to press charges, when he skipped the country and returned home to SA for a "holiday". He is manipulating and has lied his way into First Mate position - his previous position in Lauderdale was Deckhand!! I feel sorry for his new Crew and any future girls he seduces. Luckily I noticed the weird abusive behaviour only 2 months in and then ended it. Unfortunately I did not leave the shared accommodation soon enough, his anger at the break up caused even more erratic behaviour.

I have the restraining order- but is that enough? I wish I had the courage to go forward sooner or call 911 immediately at the scene, however I was petrified and literally feared for my life. He threatened me and played his part in Broward ER as the "kind and caring" partner-  when I was heavily sedated and under his duress. I do not even remember leaving the hospital that night.

My right shoulder is damaged, tendons were ripped during the continuous shaking and I was in a sling for 6 weeks, I have started Physio but have another six weeks, 3 times a week to endure. He has put me out of work, while his life has continued in the industry.

My only advice to other woman is to speak up at the earliest stage of abuse and get out while you can, before it is too late. He is out there but I do believe his days are numbered.

Crew, especially the Stews need to feel safe at all times aboard and I think Captains should consider running police reports to ensure these abusive criminals are not recruited.

The First Mate in this instance has a 3 year Restraining Order for Domestic Violence against him and now has criminal charges.